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Chopped Pork - An informal sample of chopped pork was reported to contain
insufficient meat and also to be labelled in a manner which might mislead the
customer. The manufacturer disputed these observations and protracted
correspondence ensued. A subsequent formal sample was found to have an
adequate meat content but still to be labelled in a misleading manner. Legal
proceedings were instituted and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food notified as is required in cases related to misleading labelling. Proceedings
were withdrawn on evidence from the manufacturer that this product was no
longer marketed and that the item sampled had been delivered to the retailer
four months before purchase, although surprisingly it was still apparently fit
for human consumption at that time. The manufacturer has now adopted a
simpler form of coding which has been explained to the retailers.
Aspirin B.P. A formal sample of Aspirin B.P. was found to contain Salicylic
Acid in excess of the amount allowed by the BritishPharmacopeia. Legal
proceedings were instituted against the retailer who successfully cross summoned
the manufacturers of the tablets. The manufacturers were found guilty but given
an absolute discharge.
Gin - A formal sample of gin purchased from a public house was found to contain
5.4% added water. The publican was unable to give any explanation as to how
this could have occurred and legal proceedings were instituted. A fine of £10 was
imposed with costs of £5.
Apple Turnovers - An apple turnover was found to contain only 11% apple.
Although no legal standards exist for apple content, in the view of the Public
Analyst it should be a minimum of 25%. This particular product was withdrawn
from sale. A survey of apple turnovers manufactured by other Companies showed
a wide variation in apple content, although the majority contained more than 25%
some were marginally below this figure.
2.6 LABELLING AND TRADE DESCRIPTIONS
The labelling of food stuff is checked as part of the sampling procedure.
During 1971 special attention was given to the claims made in advertising foods
on the television, in newspapers and magazines sold in the Borough. Most of the
advertisements made no claims for their products at all, but consisted of the
frequent repetition of a trading name or made a rather meaningless statement,
as in the case of an advertisement for nuts "You don't have to eat with a
knife and fork" or for throat lozenges "Brings law and order to your sore
throat".
2.7 MILK
Two hundred and thirteen licences under the Milk (Special Designation)
Regulations 1963 were in existence during the year.
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