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The total number of samples taken was greater in 1962, i.e. 220 in 1962
compared with 185 in 1961, The number of unsatisfactory samples increased from
7 in 1961 to 9 in 1962.
The following are the details from the Chief Officer’s report on the 9
unsatisfactory samples and the action taken:-
Meat and Meat Products
Arising from the purchase of 3 samples of minced beef from a butcher in
this area each of which samples was found to contain sulphur dioxide, which is
a preservative not permitted in this class of meat product The butcher was
prosecuted and was fined £15 and ordered to pay £7. 7s. 0d. towards the costs.
Vegetables
It was found that a potato farmer and merchants in Lincolnshire was supplying
to a wholesaler in the area potatoes which had been washed and peeled and
preserved with sulphur dioxide At the time when the samples were procured the
Preservative in Food Regulations of 1962 had not come into force. The potatoes
shouldnot have been preserved at all In addition to samples of the raw potatoes
as supplied by the farmer, samples were also procured of the potatoes after they
had been chipped and fried, steamed, and roasted, The proportion of sulphur
dioxide found in the raw potatoes was considerably higher than would have been
permitted had the new Regulations been in force. The quantities of preservative
present in the cooked potatoes was considerably reduced by the cooking processes.
Investigations showed that the farmer had thought that he was permitted to add
the preservative providing this was done on the instructions of his customer.
He had, he claimed obtained these instructions from the Brentford wholesaler
and the effect was that he was selling raw potatoes unprocessed and processing
them after sale The Brentford wholesaler denied that there was such an agreement,
although he was aware that the potatoes were being treated. Having regard
to the imminent coming into force of the new Regulations it was decided not to
prosecute either firm but to send them letters of caution.
Miscellaneous Samples
A sample of a product labelled "Chicken Fritters" was procured from a
retailer in the Borough It was considered that the quantity of chicken present
in the product was not sufficient to justify the name This matter is being
dealt with by correspondence, and the matter has not yet been resolved.
Examination of Samples
In addition to samples purchased in the Borough labelled stacks and displays
of fish (57), meat (43), apples(145), citrus fruit (27), plums (15), offal (29),
and potatoes (31), were examined in 110 shops Formal samples are selectively
procured based on these examinations of labelled displays of natural foods where
there is doubt as to the accuracy of the label or where there is need for further
more detailed examination, The inspectors of the Public Control Department
have over a number of years acquired a considerable expertise in the identification
of cuts of meat and varieties of fish and fruit.
New Legislation
In 1962, Regulations were introduced dealing with emulsifiers and stabilisers
in food, and with preservatives in food, In addition there has been an amended
food standard relating to table jellies. The effect of the Regulations dealing
with emulsifiers and stabilisers and with preservatives is to define and limit
the additives, and (in the case of preservatives), to extend the range of foods
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