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27.
Attention was given to the metallic contamination of iced
lollies and fourteen samples were taken and submitted to the
Public Analyst primarily for lead content. The Metallic
Contamination Sub-Committee had recommended that the limit of
lead contamination for solid foods was 2.0 parts per million and
for liquids 0.2 p.p.m.'and some argument took place as to whether
a frozen lolly was in fact a solid or a liquid. The Public
Analyst decided that it would be wise to regard this commodity
as a solid with a presumptive limit of 2.0 p.p.m. of lead. Of
the fourteen samples taken only in one instance did the lead
content amount to 2.0 p.p.m. and in the majority of instances it
varied between 0.2 and 0.6 p.p.m.
Arising out of the examination of these samples generally,
which covered the bulk of the iced lollies coming into the area
from various manufacturers, at least one important fact was
proved. In almost every case when the attention of manufacturers
was drawn to high lead content defects were found in the manufacturers'
equipment or processes which were resulting in a
greater lead content than was otherwise unavoidable. In one
instance it was found that a sample of orange syrup taken before
being mixed with water showed a. lead content of 0.4.p.p.m.
Clean Food Campaigns.
1. The number of food premises in the area by type of
business:-
Restaurants and Cafes 27
Licensed Premises 12
Fish shops, including fish
fryers 16
General grocers 48
Bakers 11
Greengrocers 22
Sugar confectionery 35
Milk distribution depots
(bottled only). 4
2. The number of food premises by type registered under
Section 14 of the Food and Drugs Act, or under Local Acts:
(a) Butchers 26
General provisions 3
Baker 1
Ice Cream premises 73
103
(b) Number of dairies registered under Milk
and Dairies Regulations, 1949 Nil
3. Number of inspections of registered food
premises 323
4. No spocial educational activity.