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18
Notes in regard to samples shown as adulterated or below standard or
otherwise.
Garden Mint. — An informal and a subsequent formal sample of garden
mint were reported upon by the Public Analyst as containing an excessive
amount of stalk. Proceedings had been instituted by another local authority
in a similar case. In view of this and having regard to the determination
of the standard of contents in such preparations the Committee decided to
take no action. It is of interest to note that the case mentioned was dismissed
by the Court.
Triturated Tea. — The Public Analyst reported that the term "triturated"
which signified "ground to a fine powder" was false or misleading.
A neighbouring local authority had already taken up the matter with the
firm concerned who had agreed to reword the label. No further action
was taken.
Cherry Cough Syrup. — An informal sample was submitted to the
Public Analyst who reported that one of the ingredients did not comply
with the details as set out on the label. The firm concerned had new
labels printed and no further action was taken.
Glucose Beverage. — An informal sample and a subsequent formal
sample were reported upon adversely by the Public Analyst who contended
that this was a mineral water sweetened with liquid glucose and
saccharin and that it contained an excess of benzoic acid in contravention
of the Public Health (Preservatives etc. in Food) Regulations. 1925-1953.
The manufacturers took the view that this was a cordial and as such the
benzoic acid was not excessive. Because of the difficulties of interpretation
of the terms "cordial" and "mineral water" details of this case were
forwarded to the Food Standards Sub-Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Fisheries and Food for their consideration when revising the
Regulations.
Synthetic Cream Powder. — An informal sample was submitted to the
Public Analyst who reported that it was stale and unfit for sale. The matter
was referred to the manufacturers and wholesalers who intimated that it
was old stock and made arrangements for the withdrawal of this product
from sale.
Frankfurters. — An informal sample was submitted to the Public
Analyst who reported that the ingredients were not specified on the label
as required by the Labelling of Food Order. 1953. The matter was referred
to the manufacturers who had revised labels printed.
Icing Sugar (Lemon Flavoured). — A sample of icing sugar was submitted
to the Public Analyst who reported a labelling offence in that the
label described one of the ingredients "calcium phosphate" as phosphate.
This matter was referred to the manufacturers who stated that they were
aware of this error and had already reprinted their labels.
Lemon Flavour. — A complaint was received from a housewife that
she had poured some lemon flavouring on to fish and after placing it under
the grill it had "flared up". A sample of the flavouring was submitted
to the Public Analyst who reported as follows — "that it is a sample
of genuine lemon flavour. This article is prepared with lemon oil dissolved
in isopropyl alcohol as a solvent. It is traditional in character
and of ordinary commercial quality. It should not be confused with other
types of lemon flavouring which are acid in character and are prepared
in imitation of lemon juice. Isopropyl alcohol is inflammable and burns
in a similar manner to ordinary alcohol."