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The case was heard at the Mortlake Magistrates' Court and at the first
hearing the summons was dismissed on a point of law, costs being awarded
against the Council. An appeal was lodged, however, and heard in the Court of
Appeal. This was successful and the case was sent back to the Magistrates,
costs being awarded to the Council. At the continued hearing the Magistrates
found the case proved. The defendant firm were fined five pounds, with
forty guineas costs in respect of both hearings.

Medicated Peppermint Tablets.
The Public Analyst reported that these tablets were "of very poor quality,
many being in a chipped, broken or crumbly condition. Moreover, all the
tablets were contaminated throughout with numerous particles of dirt including
particles of wood and other vegetable detritis." After due consideration by
the Council a summons was issued against the manufacturers as being the
actual offenders. The case was heard by the Mortlake Magistrates on the 1st
June, 1948, and the summons was dismissed on the submission that the statement
of evidence did not refer to Section 83 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938. An
application by the defendants for costs was not allowed on the grounds that the
defence had not chosen to argue the case on its merits.
Tomato Sauce.
This product was found to contain an excess amount of preservative. On
investigations being carried out by the Public Health Department of the
Battersea Borough Council, in whose area the tomato sauce was produced, it
was discovered that a quantity of "apple pulp," destined for use in jam making,
had been utilised in the manufacture of the sauce instead. On representation
being made to the manufacturers all stocks were withdrawn and measures taken
to ensure that new consignments were in conformity with the regulations.
Food Poisoning.
No cases of food poisoning were reported during the year. A few
cases of alleged food poisoning were investigated but were not
substantiated.