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122
(b) Sampling
(i) Food and Drugs
A simple statement "Food and Drugs Sampling", but behind
this, a very detailed and comprehensive web of legislation,
trade practices and scientific investigation. As the years roll
by, new foods, new techniques and processes, new hazards
and problems, changing habits plus the influx of immigrants
from many lands bringing their own exotic food stuffs to these
shores, as well as the importation of food and drugs demanded
by a public who are widening their horizons by the ease of
present travel and communication, spell out a fascinating
story.
Modern methods of food processing mean that we can have
a vast array of food and drugs ell the year round. "Fresh*
strawberries on Christmas Day, fish tasty and in first class
condition months after the caten; food refrigerated, freeze
dried, quick frozen, dried, cured, irradiated, bottled, canned
and treated in many different ways. Vitamins added, sweetened
artiflcally, coloured, emulsified, stabilised, preserved, concentrated,
diluted, packaged and labelled in an infinite variety
of ways. The story seems endless and ever changing.
Our food, our 'daily bread' can give us health and vitality;
it can also kill and maimll
By steady and regular sampling by the Council's officers,
a check is kept on this very important aspect of our dally life.
This year, more samples have been taken than in previous
years. The number of non-genuine reports received from the
Public Analyst may appear small in relation to the number of
samples taken, but this only serves to demonstrate that manufacturers
are aware of the constant check upon their products
and thereby constitutes a vital safeguard to the public.
During the actual taking of formal samples by the Council's
sampling officers a very great interest is shown by public and
traders alike. It fascinates and stimulates them. Without doubt
they are emphatically in favour of these checks upon the food
they sell or consume. Any observer would be impressed by the
public interest shown when samples are taken in any public
house — or supermarket.
During the year, samples have been very varied, including
such items as haggis, ready cooked Chinese food to take away,
rum, gin, beer, milk, children's sweets, drugs, slimming aids,
water purifiers for Continental travel as well as the more day
to day food and drugs and nationally known products.