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(k) Creamed Potatoes.
This was a dry mix consisting of various ingredients and it was considered that
"Creamed Potatoes" was not an appropriate name or description for a dry article of
this nature. A sample taken in the district where the product was manufactured was
also adversely commented upon by the Public Analyst for that district. Accordingly
the local authority concerned agreed to finalise the matter.
(1) Rizotto.
This sample was infested with spider beetles. Remaining stocks of the product
were seised, condemned and destroyed as unfit for human consumption. Legal proceedings
against the company resulted in a fine of £20 with £5 5s. Od. costs.
(m) Wine Vinegar.
This product was found to be contaminated with extensive fungoid growth considered
to have been the result of prolonged storage. Remaining stocks of the article,
although not so extensively affected, were surrendered and destroyed.
(n) Anti-Sat Tabsules.
This was a sample of capsules each containing about 0.5 gram of safflower oil.
The report of the Analyst states "the glycerides of safflower oil contain a high proportion,
perhaps 70% or more of highly unsaturated fatty acids, and these capsules were
assumed to contain about 0.35 of a gram of unsaturated glycerides of the linoleic type.
By substituting in the diet oils or fats containing these unsaturated glycerides for
animal fats consisting largely of saturated glycerides the blood cholesterol content may
be lowered, but it is difficult to conceive how the minute addition of half a gram of
safflower oil to the daily diet would have any significant effect, as was implied by the
claim on the label, namely, "unsaturated fatty acids to help counteract cholesterol."
By virtue of Section 6 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, it can be an offence if
the label is calculated to mislead as to the nature, substance, or quality of a food or
drug. In considering the report of the Analyst it was borne in mind that there is a
divergence of medical opinion regarding the effects of unsaturated glycerides of vegetable
oils and the saturated glycerides of animal fats on the blood cholesterol content
and furthermore notice had to be taken of the fact that the label merely stated "to help
counteract cholesterol".
The report was submitted in the quarterly return to the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food and no further action was taken.
(o) Lemon Meringue Pie.
The ingredients in this article were as listed on the label and two of the ingredients
were citric acid and dried egg white. The illustration on the carton, however, depicted
whole eggs and whole lemons and, by association of ideas, this was considered to be
misleading. The manufacturers were interviewed and agreement was reached to
amend the illustration on the carton.
(p) Tonic Medicine.
The label on this bottle did not conform with the requirements of the Pharmacy
and Medicines Act. The importers of the product, and the local authority in whose
district their premises are situated, were informed and arrangements were made for
the medicine to be appropriately labelled.
(q) Pork Sausages.
This was a sample of non-preserved sausages which contained the preservative
sulphur dioxide. Although this is a permitted preservative, and the quantity found
was within the prescribed limit, its presence was not declared.
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