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61
The greater amount of this seized food was found in the storeroom of a
cafe and upon examination showed evidence of "hydrogen swell", bacterial growth
and excessive amounts of tin and iron. No positive evidence of exposure of
the food for sale could be produced and the proprietor of the premises stated
that the food was for his own consumption. In the circumstances, legal
action was decided against and the proprietor warned.

The main causes which rendered the above foods unfit were:-
Fruit and Vegetables (tinned) "blowing" due to unsatisfactory
processing or storage.
Fruit and Vegetables (fresh ) Decomposition.
Carcase meat, poultry and game Decomposition.
Milk (Evaporated and Condensed) Decomposition.
Fish Decomposition.
Cheese Decomposition.
Early in the year the department was contacted by a firm in the Borough
regarding a consignment of tinned Italian red cherries. On investigation it
was ascertained that approximately ninety per cent of the fairly large consignment
was in a "blown" condition. It was learned that a Port Authority
had released these cherries as being fit for human consumption on obtaining
an undertaking that they would be used only for catering or manufacturing
purposes. Samples of the cherries were submitted for bacteriological examination
and chemical analysis, and the resultant reports supported the view
that the "blown" state was due to "hydrogen swell", a condition resulting from
inter-action between the fruit acids and the metal of the container. An
agreement was finally reached with the firm in question that the cherries
would be disposed of for manufacturing purposes only.
Disposal of unsound food. Tins of unsound food were pierced at both ends
and taken to the Borough Council's wharf on the River Lea for shipment by
barge to a controlled tip. Small quantities of carcase meat were disposed of
in the incinerator at the Disinfecting Station and larger amounts were, after
staining, sent to firms for commercial purposes.