CHILLED MEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 29, 4 February 1935, Page 8

CHILLED MEAT.

GOVERNMENT EXPERTS

CAUSE OF MOULD.

STUDY.

MR. J. C. NEIIX RETURNS,

Valuable information on Uie control of plant diseases and the incidence of moulds on chilled meat, butter and cheese has been collected by Mr. J. q Xeill, field mycologist to the X C \ V Zealand Government, who returned by the Imperial Star yesterday from attending the Empire Mycological Conference in London, and in carrying out research work in Europe. He has been awav f nr nine months. J Mr. Iveill said that the problem" of inter-Empire quarantine methods for the control of plant disease was discussed and a plan was evolved by which a uniform quarantine certificate system could be worked. Jt would have to be by other countries before it could be put into operation. At present the varying restrictions of each country were a hindrance to irade and so it was thought -that foreign' countries would find no objection to a uniform system of control

Visiting all the mycological research stations in England, Germany and Denmark, Mr. Neill was able to gain first hand information on the latest methods of the control of plant diseases. Ei made a special study of the carrying of disease by seeds, particularly dry rot in swedes. With the data he has collected he hopes to be able to suggest to the Government precautions that will prevent such. diseases entering New Zealand. To Protect Future Shipments. "Moulds on chilled goods such as meat, butter and cheese are the greatest source of deterioration," said Mr. Neill, "and I made a special point of finding out the particular epecies of fungi that caused it. It develops after the meat reaches England, «o I examined a number of chilled meat that had been sent to England from.New Zealand. Freezing prevents practically all forms of fungi and bacteria from growing, while chilling stops bacteria, which causes -putrefaction, from growing. If the funguS , ii established on the meat before chilling it will continue to grow and. cause the unpleasant markings that greatly reduce the value of the meat. From what I discovered I hope to be able to take measures to protect future shipments of meat from becoming infected before it leaves here."

Mr. Neill was most impressed by the close attention being given to the control of crop diseases in Europe. He said that Germany had greatly increased both the quality and the quantity of her crops in recent years as a result of her efficient plant protection service. Not only did they discovered the causes of crop failures, but they also compelled the farmers to carry out their recoin-i mendations.

' Mr. Neill leaves this evening for the plant research station at Palinerston North.