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23
of the tin disclosed obvious deterioration and both this and the
tea was sent to the Public Analyst for examination.
His report was as follows :—
" The interior tinning of the tin was very faulty, there
being large and extensive patches where the tin coating was
practically non-existent and the iron underneath exposed.
Whether this was a result of corrosion of the plating by
the milk during storage or an original fault 1 cannot say.
The tea contained approximately 30 parts per million
of iron and 30 parts per million of tin. The effect of this
proportion of iron would be to cause the discolouration
observed by a reaction between the iron and the tannin in
the tea infusion, whereby a bluish-black compound is
formed.
The proportion of iron in the tea would not be
harmful, but that of the tin is such that I should consider
it very inadvisable to drink such a fluid.
Assuming the whole of the tin to have come from
the milk used, the latter must have contained much in excess
of 2 grains per pound
This was an unusual instance of an individual defective tin
and is the only complaint of this nature I have received. Full
particulars were given to the Food Executive Officer for forwarding
to the appropriate department of the Ministry of Food.
(2) A complaint came to me via the Food Standards Division of the
Ministry of Food in regard to a jar of sultana chutney which
was stated to be unpalatable and to produce a feeling of sickness
after a small portion had been eaten. The Public Analyst,
however, reported that it was pure and wholesome, free from
poisonous metals or other substance likely to cause sickness.
(3) A piece of cloth 7½" x 1" was found firmly embedded in the
centre of the meat in a tin of corned beef. This was obviously
introduced during packing abroad. Details were given to the
Food Executive Officer.
(4) Several other specimens were brought to me such as Cheese
alleged to taste and smell bad and which neither the complainant
or his wife could eat. This proved to be some French
Gruyere of normal taste and satisfactory quality. Margarine
alleged to have a "funny taste". In one instance it was found
to be normal in composition with no evidence of developed
rancidity, but in a second instance the taste was confirmed and
the shop-keeper obtained a fresh supply in lieu of the affected
consignment. Soup having a "soapy" taste. Found to be due
to addition of Margarine.
More serious were complaints of the discovery of a dead
mouse in a packet of breakfast cereals; of a hairpin embedded
in a sausage, and a black beetle embedded in the crust of a
loaf of bread. In these cases warnings were given to the firms
in question after the fullest consideration had been given to the
circumstances by the Public Health Committee.