View report page

With regard to the samples listed as being unsatisfactory, I add the
following comments:
Sausages
Sausages and sausage meat may contain not more than 450 parts per
million of sulphur dioxide as an added preservative provided that the
presence of this preservative is disclosed. The 7 samples of sausages
which are shown as unsatisfactory all contained this preservative in an
amount which would have been permitted had its presence been disclosed.
In one case a preliminary sample was unsatisfactory whereas a subsequent
sample was genuine and no further action was taken. In a second case a
general notice declaring the presence of preservative in sausages was
obscured and not in a position where it would have been readily seen by
a purchaser; the trader was fully advised as to his responsibility for
the future. A third retailer received an official caution in respect of
two samples of sausages, each of which contained undeclared preservative.
A fourth retailer, from whom three unsatisfactory samples had been obtained,
was prosecuted and was fined a total of £3, together with
£7. 10s. Od. costs.
Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887 - 1953.
The majority of the inspection work carried out under the provisions
of the above Acts relates to ensuring that the requirements of the various
Marking Orders made under the provisions of the Act of 1926, and which
relates to the marking with an indication of origin of certain imported
foodstuffs when exposed for sale or sold, are complied with. Inspections
were made at 246 separate premises of 1,437 displays of meat, apples,
tomatoes, poultry and dried fruit. No serious infringements were detected.
Labelling of Food Order, 1953.
This order requires pre-packed food to be marked with the name and
address, or with the registered trade mark, of the packer or labeller. It
also requires such food to be labelled with its common or usual name (if
any) and with the names of the ingredients of a compounded food. It also
controls the manner in which the presence of vitamins and minerals is
disclosed and prescribes specific labelling of certain foods.
A total of 666 articles of pre-packed food was examined at 171
premises to ascertain whether the above requirements were complied with;
no serious infringements of this Order were detected.
False or Misleading Descriptions.
As in previous years food advertisements and labels have been scrutinised
for false or misleading statements and descriptions. Much of this
scrutiny of food labels can be combined with inspection work under the
Labelling of pood Order. No serious infingements were disclosed. Corrective
action was secured in relation to descriptions applied to "milk block",
"Double Tea", an imitation cream powder, cakes filled with a mixture of
butter and sugar, canned mixed vegetables, raspberry syrup, powdered soup
mixes, medium red salmon, gorgonzola cheese spread and cheese spread.
Special Designated Milk
During the year two samples of designated milk were taken and both
were certified to be satisfactory.
35