View report page

Taking the total weight of items in the first table as 3,329 tons, the amount dealt with
expressed as a percentage of imports for the period equals 0.27%. (Figures for 1960 not
available).
Tea Sampling
During the period covered by this report 3,093 samples were drawn and examined. Of these
34 were unsatisfactory, and arrangements were made to dispose of the consignments involved,
either by blending with other teas to reduce the lead content or for export.
NIGERIAN AND WEST AFRICAN FOODS
During the course of the year consignments of Yam Flour, Ground Egusi (crushed melon
seeds), Gari and crushed Bitter Leaves have been arriving in the docks. They are intended
primarily for sale to the increasing number of Nigerian and West African immigrants in this country
and for whom they are part of their normal diet.
Samples were drawn as a matter of routine and salmonella contamination was found in the
Bitter Leaves and Ground Egusi. All further shipments of these goods were detained pending
information as to use and also the extent of contamination. The uses are varied and may be of
general interest. The Bitter Leaves may be used whole in the same way as we would use spinach
or chopped as we would use mint. Egusi is used as a flavouring agent in cooking or as a thickening
agent. Gari is Cassava flour resembling tapioca and is presumably used as such. Yam Flour is
what its name implies.
The bacteriological picture obtained indicated that the Yam Flour, Gari and Bitter Leaves
were generally satisfactory and imports were released unconditionally. The Ground Egusi was
not satisfactory and all imports were detained and sampled until action taken at source was
reflected in more satisfactory results of bacteriological examination.
However, a further complication presented itself from the point of view of fitness for human
consumption. The Public Analyst reported that in his opinion samples of some of these goods
appeared to be in various stages of rancidity and would be considered unfit for human consumption
in this country under the Food and Drugs Act for sale to the white population, but would probably
be quite acceptable to the nationals to whom it was a normal item of food. As it is obviously
impossible to apply two standards of fitness for the same food the problem was resolved by
assuming that only those to whom these foods were acceptable would wish to purchase them and
they would not then be sold "to the prejudice of the purchaser".
A further complication has arisen in that another food — Guinea corn — has frequently contained
ground insects and investigations are being made to see if this is a necessary ingredient.
It is appreciated that the Englishman would perhaps never buy these articles of food but the
law sets a standard, regardless of national tastes, and here perhaps is an example of where
common sense and compromise must be put to good use.
It is, however, an interesting thought to take this one stage further and ask what else will
happen to puzzle us if we join the Common Market where all laws eventually must be approximated.
What standards do we apply then?
EGYPTIAN ONIONS
One of the problems associated with the control of foodstuffs in the Port of London is the
arrival of "seasonal" perishables and especially the importation of Egyptian onions.
The majority of the onions arrive at the India Dock Group but the problem of sorting a deteriorating
cargo is one which applies at various times to all docks. Owing to the perishable nature of
the cargo and the speed with which decomposition is accelerated with inadequate ventilation
during transit and inadequate storage facilities after landing, the sorting operation of a whole
shipment is impracticable on the dock.
Every endeavour is made to avoid unnecessary condemnation of foodstuffs, and in cooperation
with the trade it is practice to release for sorting with the further agreement of the
local Medical Officer of Health, shipments to areas where such operation can be conveniently
effected thus relieving the available port accommodation of congestion.
Some idea of the magnitude of this problem is obtained from the fact that during the "season"
approximately 12,000 tons of onions were imported into the Port of London. 372 tons of these
onions were destroyed on importation. The remainder consisting of more than 11,000 tons were
released to local authorities for sorting. It is of course impossible for the Medical Officer of
Health to state how many of these onions were finally released for human consumption.
25