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A number of complaints regarding foodstuffs was received during
the year, some of which are worth recording :—
(1) A complaint was received with respect to a foreign body in a
packet of imported butter. On first examination it bore a superficial resemblance
to the leg of a large insect, but microscopical examination proved
it to be a long wood splinter apparently heavily stained with a dark dye.
It was decided to send a warning letter to the firm concerned.
(2) A complaint was received with respect to a chelsea bun which
contained a large piece of wood. Proceedings were instituted in this case
and the defendant was fined £7 with £2. 8s. 0d. costs.
(3) A complaint was received with respect to foreign matter adhering
to the inside of a bottle of milk. This consisted of brown specks and
patches. Further examination showed it to consist of rusted particles of
iron which appeared to have been scattered on the wet inside of the bottle
and subsequent rusting of the iron had served to fix the iron particles
firmly to the glass. It was decided not to institute proceedings and a
warning letter was sent to the dairy concerned.
(4) Two complaints were received with respect to loaves of sliced
bread. A number of slices in each case were found to be contaminated
with a mixture of flour, general dirt, finely divided iron, a small amount
of vegetable oil or grease, and mineral oil, the flour being the major constituent.
The presence of finely divided iron indicated part of the machinery
as the source of contamination, the oil being derived from the lubricant.
After giving careful consideration, it was decided not to institute proceedings
but a warning letter was sent to the respective manufacturers.