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ice cream, the Ministry of Food state that they fully recognise the
desirability of setting a standard of quality for ice cream and the
Trade Associations had been notified of the desire to attain some
such standard when an adequate supply of raw materials can be made
available. Unfortunately, at the moment, the necessity for maintaining
the present milk ration has made it impossible for the
Ministry to permit the use of milk, and milk products in ice cream,
and to compensate a certain amount of fat is issued. Here again,
the critical world shortage of edible oils and fats will not permit the
Ministry to make more than a very limited amount of margarine
available to ice cream makers. In the circumstances it is considered
that the time is not opportune to set a standard guaranteeing a
nutritious product as many traders could not possibly adhere to it
on the very limited allocations they receive. It is intended,
however, to proceed further with this matter as more materials
become available.''
31 st March, 1947.
"(a) In February, the Ministry of Food replied to the Committee's
representations regarding the necessity for a prescribed
standard of ice cream, to the effect that in view of the present
circumstances relating to the supply of ingredients the time was not
opportune to set a standard guaranteeing a nutritious product, as
many traders could not possibly adhere to it on the limited allocations
they receive.
(b) Letters have now been received from Woolwich and
Paddington Borough Councils suggesting that representations
should be made for a bacteriological standard for ice cream and
asking that further representations be made.
(c) We are of opinion that the Committee should point out to
the Ministry of Food that the constituent Councils are very concerned
at the continued absence of a standard of cleanliness and/or
content applicable to the manufacture and sale of ice cream,
especially in view of the approaching summer season. In spite of
the difficulties at the present time in laying down standards we feel
that the Ministry should be urged to take steps to deal with the
situation. In addition, we consider that the Ministry of Health
should be pressed to take action on the request previously made by
the Committee that it should be made compulsory for ice cream to
be sold wrapped.
We recommend—(i) That representations be made to the
Ministries of Food and Health on the lines set out above; and (ii)
that the attention of constituent Councils be drawn to this
paragraph.''