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26
Sampling Observations
It will be seen from the detailed classification that of two hundred
and nineteen samples taken during the year 0.91% were found to be other
than genuine and labelling infringements accounted for a further 2.74%
making a total of 3.65%
For comparative purposes the figures for 1959 were 1.38% and 2.29%
respectively, making a total of 3.67%
The pattern of sampling has followed that of previous years in that
a wide range of commodities has been covered A satisfying result has
emerged since the infringements revealed were generally of a minor
character and with the willing co-operation of retailers, importers and/or
manufacturers were usually readily adjusted.
Comments by the Public Analyst
Sampling of foods and drugs throughout the year has followed the
usual general pattern, a wide variety of articles having been submitted.
Basic foods have received their due attention and in addition many foods
of an unusual character or for which special claims of one kind or another
are made have been thoroughly investigated Imported foods prepacked in
the country of origin or packed in this country on behalf of the manufacturer
are on the increase On the whole these foods conform with British legal
requirements as to composition and freedom from forbidden preservatives,
colouring matters etc., and the labelling is also satisfactory.
Many foods of a somewhat specialised and often expensive character
appear on the market for a relatively short time, but do not become well
established. It would appear that many people are prepared to try anything
once, however unusual and costly it may be, but that afterwards they
exercise normal judgment and the article sells to a large extent on its
merits. There are exceptions to this rule as when the sales of an inferior
article or one which is no better than its competitors are boosted by
artificial means such as massive advertising on a national scale or by
price cutting.
In the absence of special claims it is not the function of the public
analyst to discriminate between goods of various qualities provided the
poorest quality does not fall below a minimum standard recognisable
largely by commercial practice and consumer acceptability. Many people,
however, would undoubtedly feel themselves prejudiced if sold an article
of low quality at a high price and it may be possible in the future to devise
a legal form of protection taking this into account.
Quite independent of any variation in quality it is of importance to
ensure that articles sold conform with the terms used to describe them
It is becoming increasingly common to use the argument that a low price
justified a misdescription and it is one which must be resisted.
At the present time there are two categories of food in particular
where the need to establish the true meaning of words is urgent These are
are meat products and soft cheeses As to the former it must be recognised
that where the description used is in terms of meat only, with no particular
qualification there is no justification for the presence of flour or starch