EXPORTING THE FROZEN LAMB

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1931, Page 8

EXPORTING THE FROZEN LAMB

The British scientists have been on a, voyage of exploration which involved sharing a hold with a cargo of earcases. They explored, the frozen lamb instead of the more usual scientificgoal, the frozen North- Their object was to find omt what causes loss of “bloom” on New Zealand mutton and lamb. “Bloom” Is the fresh, newlykilled appearance of the meat for which every good house wife looks and Tor which, moreover,-, she will pay more. The expedition, (headed by Dr. Eze r (.liri flit Its. IMF'S., of the National Physi.cia 1 Laboratory) went to New Zealand and back to study the lamb’s progress from its birth—or even before through the slaughter-house and freezing-works into the holds, across the sen to Sinithlield, and through the cold' stores, warehouses and shops of Britain. Recommendations have been made which will hell)' towards the control of “bloom.” Good ventilation'is essential, and even the age and breed of the original sheep are involved. Some slice]) are horn with “initial bloom,” (as some men are born with brains) whereas others look unattractive immediately after slaughter. Shrinkage during the voyage, one of the causes of loss of bloom, was also measured. It is estimated that a one per cent, reduction in the loss of weight of carcases would mean an extra £IOO,OOO a year to Now Zealand producers, dwho send/ nearly £12,000,000 worth of meat to Great Britain every year). The whole survey was a striking example of Empire team work. The cost wa’s shared between the Now Zealand Government, the meat producers and the Empire Marketing Board, and the party was reinforced by New Zealand workers when it reached the Dominion.