MILK DEFICIENCIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25240, 1 June 1943, Page 2

MILK DEFICIENCIES

PROSECUTIONS SUGGESTED POLICY OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT An explanation of the reasons why prosecutions are not instituted in all cases where deficiencies are found in milk supplied to city consumers is given by the medical officer of health (Dr T. McKibbin) in a reply to a letter from the City Council suggesting that in certain cases of added water prosecutions appear to be warranted. The council’s letter, stated that of the 75 samples taken during April eight failed to comply with the required standard. In his reply Dr McKibbin says that of the 75 samples mentioned in the council's letter, 47 were statutory samples, taken in compliance with the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, which he administers. * The remaining 28, including one which was deficient in fat, were by-law samples, in respect of which he can take no statutory action. Of the 47 statutory samples, seven contained added water, but these all applied to one vendor’s supply. An information to prosecute this supplier has been laid. Dr McKibbin refers to what he describes as a “ somewhat Utopian ” bylaw passed by the council, and points out that a similar by-law passed by a northern municipality was found to be defective. Since then no prosecutions have been laid by the City Council pursuant to its by-law, doubtless because of its invalidity. His department would welcome a greater proportion of samples taken under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act. “It would indeed be regrettable,” Dr McKibbin says. “ if the public were led to believe either that sampling showed Dunedin milk to be often deficient in nutritive ingredients or that the Department of Health is failing in its job. Neither is true. Statutory sampling is of some value in prevent-' ing crime or neglect, and in so far as this applies the local vendors have over the years been kept fully alive to the penalties incurred. Obviously the official who is charged with the duty of administering the Sale of Food and Drugs Act should exercise judgment and justice in deciding when to prosecute.” After outlining the procedure which is required to be followed before prosecuting, Dr McKibbin remarks that it will be obvious that just administration does not consist solely of prosecuting for all deficiencies.