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With regard to the samples noted on that list as being unsatisfactory
I add the following comments -
Cakes.
A sample of "Coconut Fancy" cakes was found to contain a nail, pull
enquiries were made including a detailed examination of the plant and
methods used by the manufacturer concerned; all possible precautions
against such an occurrence appeared to have been taken and part of the
manufacturer's precautions included the use of an electronic device to
detect the presence of metal in their products. No explanation for the
presence of this nail in this sample could be found. An official caution
was addressed to the manufacturers concerned
A sample of "Macaroon Tarts" was found to contain no almond, coconut
having been used instead. An official caution was sent to the bakers concerned.
Canned Fruit.
8 tins of fruit labelled as containing "Victoria Plums" were each
found to contain "Giant Prune" plums. These 8 tins, although obtained
from two separate shops in the District, were found to have been packed
by the same canners. Enquiries were instituted throughout the whole of
the County and subsequently by 23 other large food and drugs authorities
in the country, and in consequence a number of other similar offences
were disclosed it was found that offences had been committed by the
packers in respect of this particular brand of plums at their cannery in
Essex and by arrangements with the food and drugs authorities concerned
the Essex county Council instituted proceedings against the canners in
respect of 9 offences. The canners pleaded guilty and were fined £25 on
each summons with £10.10S-0d legal costs and £345, 16s.l0d in respect of
special costs of the five County Councils concerned, a total of £581.6,10d.
A fuller report of these investigations and proceedings will be found in
the Minutes of the meeting of the County Council of Middlesex held on
26th February, 1958-Report of the General Purposes Committee, item 9.
Sausages
A sample of pork chipolatas were found to contain an undeclared preservative
in an amount which would have been permissible had its presence
been disclosed. A subsequent sample was found to be genuine and no further
action was called for.
Sweets
A sample of Butter Macaroons" was found to contain no almond and a
letter of caution was addressed to the manufacturers.
Vinegar.
A sample sold as vinegar was found on analysis to be non-brewed condiment.
A letter of caution was sent to the retailer concerned.
Brandy Butter Spread
A sample labelled as Brandy Butter Spread bore the following statement
of ingredients 'Sugar, butter and Lemon Hart rum". The attention
of the manufacturers was drawn to this inconsistency
Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887-1953
229 inspections of shops were undertaken to ensure that the Marking
Orders relating to certain imported foodstuffs made under the Merchandise
Marks Act. 1926 were complied with 2126 separate displays of meat
apples tomatoes, poultry dried fruit fresh salmon and bacon were examined
A butcher was selling and exposing for sale imported meat and imported
offal not marked with the required indication of origin 5 summonses were
issued against him and he was convicted and fined a total of £10 and
ordered to pay £2 2s 0d costs
The Labelling of Food Order, 1953
At 192 premises 732 articles of pre packed food were examined to see
that they bore a label which gave a clear statement of the designation
of the food and in the case of compound foods, the ingredients, and also
the name and address of the packer or labeller. No infringement of this
Order was detected
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