PACKING OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 66, 10 December 1938, Page 13

PACKING OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

Warning To Growers

WHAT THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE

Tile necessity for growers to make themselves familiar with the regulations relating to the packing of fruit and vegetables was emphasized by an officer of the Department of Agriculture yesterday in commenting upon an article in that day's "Dominion” lu which reference was made to possible prosecutions for unfair packing.

“The consequences of packing in a manner that deceives the buyer as to size, maturity, and condition of the produce in the container do not react alone on the person who packs unfairly, but also affects other suppliers of the market, as well as causing . a monetary loss to the purchaser,” he said. “Unfair packing is looked upon as a serious contravention of the regulations.”

The following clauses are included in the regulations:— Clause (1) : “Fruit’' means the unmanufactured edible product of any orchard or garden plant, ami includes potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and 'all other vegetables. Clause (2) : All fruit sold, or offered or exposed for sale in a container, whether wholesale or retail, shall be packed in such a manner that any fruit exposed to view, or that would be exposed to view if the container were ojtened in the normal manner, fairly represents in size, maturity and condition the whole contents of the container.

Clause (5): Every person commits an offence against these regulations who directly or indirectly by himself. Ins servant, or agent, fails faithfully to observe and perform any duty or obligation imposed on him, and is liable to a fine not exceeding £2O.