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36
These meats were of a grade indicated by the subjoined regulations of the United
States Department of Agriculture.
The system of meat Inspection in England does not allow of the use for human
food of meat from extensively tuberculous animals, and from such these canned foods
are prepared.
One consignment was marked "second grade," but on the packing cases only,
others showed no mark of inferiority except the wording on the label, which without
explanation of its import is at least equivocal, or might even be accepted by the public
as a guarantee of good quality.
The Regulations alluded to are as follows :—
Regulation 11, Rule D.—Carcases which reveal lesions more severe or
more numerous than those described for carcases to be passed (Rule C), but not
so severe nor so numerous as the lesions described for carcases to be condemned
(Rule A), may be rendered into lard or tallow or otherwise sterilized in
accordance with Regulation 15, if the distribution of the lesions is such that all
parts containing tuberculous lesions can be removed.
Regulation 15, Section III.—
Paragraph 1.—Carcases and parts passed for sterilisation and which are
not rendered into lard or tallow may be utilized for food purposes
provided they are first sterilised by methods, and handled and marked
in a manner, approved by the chief of bureau.
Paragraph 2.—Any carcases or parts prepared in compliance with
paragraph 1 of this section may be canned if the container be plainly
and conspicuously marked so as to show that the product is second
grade, class or quality, and has been sterilised.
Another regulation requires the embossed letters " S T R " to be placed on
each can.
At the request of the importers, re-exportation of these and subsequent consignments
of " Meat passed for Sterilisation " was permitted.
The matter was reported to the Local Government Board.
Importation of these goods in the Port of London has, in consequence of the
action taken, ceased.
Meat " passed for sterilisation " having been found amongst ship's stores in July
the matter was brought to the notice of the Secretary of the Board of Trade by your
Medical Officer.

The large quantity of bacon was not intended for this country, but was landed
from a vessel which put into the Port of London in a damaged condition.