FROZEN MEAT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10715, 8 October 1920, Page 5

FROZEN MEAT

DETERIORATION AT HOME? PRIME MINISTER ON THE CAUSE. An important statement in regard to the cause of the deterioration of frozen meat in Great Britain was made in the House of representatives by tho Prime Minister yesterday afternoon. On August 11th (said Me Massey), Mr Lysiiur, M.P., had brought up in the House of Representatives tho question of tho temperature at which meat was held in freezing stores in England, and ho (the Prime Minister) had promised that he would obtain the necessary information. Accordingly, a cable was sent to the High Commissione i r, reading.as follows :—"lt has been suggested that cause of much deterioration in. frozen meat in Great Britain is due to the stores holding at higher temperature, than that, prevailing in New Zealand. Understand Home stores, maintain temperature. 15 to 18 degrees against 10 to 11 degrees here. Shall be.glad of a report." The following roply had now been received : —"With reference to your telegram of August 27th, deterioration of meat in store Great Britain, Ministry of Food states that temperature maintained is ais stated your telegram, namely, 15 to 18 degrees," and that this is,same as before the war. Ministry, does not consider deterioration can bq,ascribed to temperature at this end., but that much of the. unsatisfactory appearance due to dismemberment. con r sequent, cjiafihg and shrinkage,, and in 'som.e cases.to Jong storage, in New Zealand. Director of Food Investigation Board..does,not, consider, change from 10 .degrees tp 16" 'to 18. degrees likely to account for deterioration in appearj ance as, far.as moulds- or.bacteria concerned, provided temperature maintained; steady." . The, .matter, added the Prime Minister, was one, of considerable importance to tho country, and .he took tho opportunity of giving it as much publicity as he could.