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in half inch letters; the lettering used was so small as to be quite inconspicuous,
and the packers were required to comply with the prescribed conditions.
Matters dealt with under the Pood and Drugs Act by correspondence included
a sample of cream cheese containing less milk fat than was considered sufficient
to justify the title. Five examples of cake mixes, which were not complete
mixes in that other additions, such as egg or milk were necessary before the mix
could be used, were found. The manufacturers were required prominently to show
what additions were necessary.
The manufacturer of a lemon juice was challenged that a claim on the label
for slimming properties for the juice was not justified, and he amended his
labels to delete the claim.
A sample of cream was procured which was labelled "thick cream". The fat
content of this cream was less than the standard prescribed for thick cream and
the product was relabelled "sterilised cream".
A manufacturer of a canned meat product claimed on the label that it was
"full of lean red meat". In fact, the meat content was no more than is normal
for this class of product, and the manufacturer was therefore challenged as to
the accuracy of the claim. It was withdrawn.
It was claimed for a sample of chopped pork that it contained "more meat".
In fact the percentage of meat was no greater than that of comparable products
and the manufacturer was required to delete the claim
The manufacturers of several breakfast cereals were challenged on the ground
that the labels claimed the foods to be "vitamin enriched" The vitamins present
did not provide one half of the daily requirement which. it is considered,
is the minimum to support claim to enrichment. The labels were amended to
"vitamin fortified" which, because vitamins were added, was true.
A sample of ice lollies for which it was claimed that glucose was present,
was found on analysis not to be correct The lollies originally it was found
had been made with added glucose, but glucose had been dropped from the recipe.
The label was not amended to conform to the new recipe, and was therefore incorrect.
Reference to glucose was deleted from the new labels.
A sample of butter mintoes was labelled "made with butter". This was not
true, other fats were present as well The label was amended after representations
to the manufacturer to "contains butter".
A sample of sodium fluoride tablets was found on analysis to be deficient
of the stated amount of the chemical. Because, in spite of the deficiency in
the chemical, it was considered that the efficacy of the tablets was not impaired,
the manufacturer was not prosecuted but was sent a letter of caution.
Two samples of instant coffee were found to contain sulphur dioxide, a
preservative not at the time permitted in instant coffee The manufacturers
and importers concerned were sent letters of caution Similar action was taken
in respect of a sample of dried apricots which were found to contain sulphur
dioxide The quantity of preservative would have been satisfactory if its presence
had been declared, and the manufacturers were required to amend the label.
A firm of confectionery importers was cautioned for selling sweets containing
colouring matter not permitted. The firm had withdrawn from retailers
sweets imported earlier, and had thought the stock from which the samples was
procured was satisfactory. Only permitted colours are now used.
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