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Sampling Observations. Of the 240 samples taken during the
year 2.5 per cent were found to be other than genuine. This
percentage figure excludes Informal samples repeated formally.
The percentage for 1950 was 2.5 and for 1949, 2.13.
Labelling Infringements In some form or another were found
In 2.5 per cent of the total samples taken. The percentage for
1950 was 1.66, and for 1949 0.85.
In view of the wide selection of articles sampled during
the year it is worthy of note that the observations and Infringements
reported upon by the Public Analyst have been relatively
few In number and In the main of a generally minor character.
Samples submitted during 1951
under the food and Drugs Act, 1938
and the Defence (Sale of Food) Regulations, 1943
Public Analyst's Comments. "Sampling has covered a wide
range of foods and drugs, and particularly drugs of a 'proprietary'
type which often Involves a lengthy and difficult
analysis. The changing nature of adulteration continues to be
reflected In the samples to which your Analyst has taken exception,
and the relatively large number of labelling offences
Is still apparent.
It would be a serious reflection on the administration of
the Food and Drugs Act and the ability of the Analyst If the
gross adulteration which was rife In 1870 were still common today,
but changing circumstances has necessitated changing laws
and the law relating to the labelling of pre-packed foods for
example, Is Just as Important In the world of today as the
traditional requirements under the Food and Drugs Act.
Most of the labelling offences which occur are due to
thoughtlessness on the part of manufacturers or packers and to
Ignorance of the law, but one cannot avoid thinking that In a
few Instances Ingredients, which have to be specified, are
omitted or put In the wrong order to deceive the public Into
thinking they are getting a better article.
All articles are subject to the fundamental requirements
of the Food and Drugs Act In respect of Injurious substances,
preservative, metallic and other comtamination and the general
nature, substance and quality. Suitable tests are applied to all
samples to ensure conformity with these requirements.
A few comments on Individual food samples may be of general
Interest.
Ice Cream. The new standard for Ice cream, referred to In
last year's report, came Into force on March 1st, 1951 It
required a content of 5 per cent of fat, 7½
per cent of milk
solids other than fat and 10 per cent of sugars of which 7½
shall be sucrose. The great majority of samples have conformed
to requirements and only two taken In the Borough have shown
a deficiency of milk solids. The average fat content of the
samples taken during the year was 10.3 per cent, over twice the
minimum requirement. There was every Indication beforehand that
this minimum was being set too low and my results Indicate that
the standard could be upgraded without hardship.
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