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15
FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION
INTRODUCTION
The effective method of control in relation to Pood & Drugs Administration
should enable the operatives to keep abreast of modern processing techniques
Legislative policy could assist if it were formulated in anticipation of
manufacturers development plans Such a policy could have beneficial
influences in that it would encourage development of producers particular
commodities along lines to give priority to health giving properties rather
than purely sales gimmicks.
The more unscrupulous adulterations of Pood stuffs of the past have
disappeared but their place has been taken by the deliberate addition of
chemicals and additives with all their associated claims
With the introduction of prepacked and prepared foods of every kind the
need for Know how to prepare an entire meal is fast becoming a lost art to
housewives It is not intended to suggest that this is a retrograde step but
rather to emphasize the need to review the system of control in the knowledge
that chemicals and additives are introduced into foods for reasons other than
health giving value
Additives may serve a useful purpose when applied correctly but the
connection between their use and the possible sensitizing effect on some people
could be studied more closely The effects of an allergen in one person
could be the effects of food poisoning in'another and confusion could be
misleading
A product that undergoes such characteristic changes when subjected to a
particular method of preservation as to require additives in an endeavour to
restore it to something resembling its original state should be forbidden to
be subjected to that type of preservation this would encourage research into
other methods.
The whole field of food and drugs administration could benefit greatly by
being carefully reviewed collectively and a closer relationship formulated at
national if not international level to establish agreed bacteriological
chemical and quality standards
The terms of reference of the standing committee suggested in the Milne
Report to advise the Minister of the risk of infection which may arise
from the consumption of any particular food could be phrased to
to advise the Minister of the possible dangers to health which may arise
from the consumption of any food
Opinion is held that more stress should be paid to bacteriological
sampling at points which may prove to be reservoirs of infection, but until
existing laboratory facilities are made more readily available this phase of
sampling must be held in abeyance
NEW LEGISLATION
Bread & Flour Regulations 1963
These Regulations which re enact the Flour (Composition) Regulations
1956, came into operation 1st September 1964 and lay down requirements as to
the composition of and ingredients in a wide range of bread They also prohibit
the use in flour and bread of colouring matter except caramel The permitted
bleaching and improving agents are specified as are the labelling requirements
of bread exposed for sale