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133
ANALYSIS OP FOOD AND DRUGS,
WATER, Etc.
1. Food and Drugs.
During the year 1904, 1,200 samples have been purchased
through the Food and Drugs Inspector (Mr. Perrin) within the
Borough of Lambeth, and submitted to the Public Analyst for
analysis. Of the 1,200 samples, 79 (i.e., 6.6 per cent.) were
reported by the Analyst to be adulterated, varying quarterly as
follows :—1st quarter, 13.4 per cent.; 2nd, 9.4 per cent.; 3rd,
5.6 percent.; and 4th, 8.1 percent.; and 66 summonses were
issued, with the result that 43 convictions were obtained,
together with £80 19s. 6d. in penalties, and £39 17s. 6d. in
costs. In 12 cases the vendors were cautioned. Full details
are to be found on pp. 137—139, and in the Appendix (pp.
26—31).
Taking the average of 10 years (1891-1900), the annual
number of samples taken in the old Parish of Lambeth is 501,
of which 74 (i.e., 14.8 per cent.) were found, on analysis, to be
adulterated ; whilst the annual average number of summonses
issued is 53, with 52 convictions and £104 5s. 5d. in penalties,
and £35 0s. 3d. in costs. In 16 cases (average), the vendors were
cautioned. In the Borough, 710, 704 and 1,010 samples were
taken during 1901, 1902 and 1903 respectively.
It will be noted that 1200 samples have been taken by the
Food and Drugs Inspector, and analysed by the Public Analyst,
during 1904—the largest number ever taken by the Borough
Council, or by the late Vestry, in any one year. This is
owing to the new arrangement made by the Council at the
commencement of 1903, by which a minimum 1000 samples per
year are to be, in future, taken and analysed. The Analyst's