Annual Report - 9 - 



flower seeds, many agriculture and grass mixtures and a few tree 

 and shrub seeds. 



In addition, the laboratory tested 845 service and research 

 samples for a total test of 1733 samples 



Of the 888 official seed samples, the seed laboratory found 

 97 or Mfo to contain one or more violations and issued correspond- 

 ing violation notices. 



This office took immediate action on any serious violation 

 (low germination - unfit for seeding, etc.) by issuing Stop Sale 

 Orders . 



In addition. Stop Sale Orders were issued on 393 lots of seed 

 found by inspectors at point of sale. This included mostly out of 

 date tests but also included follow-ups on any serious seed lab- 

 oratory report violations. 



As a continuing policy the Department held twelve (12) official 

 hearings before its legal staff for seed concerns who were pre- 

 viously warned but continued selling old and out-dated stock, 

 poor germination or unfit for seeding stock. 



This is just one more important consumer protection service 

 with which the Division is charged and which it finds increasingly 

 difficult to handle because of a shortage of funds and personnel. 



A continuing program has been the inspection of certain state 

 approved apple farm stands and cider mills. This is an attempt to 

 raise the standards of fruit and cider to insure the consumer a 

 better product and also to maintain consumer protection regarding 

 health and sanitary conditions. 



Regarding our price reporting service, the Boston wholsale 

 produce market is cur largest and most important. 



