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Butter.—Forty-six samples of butter were analysed and
all were found to be genuine. In no case was the limit for
boron preservative exceeded.
Cocoa, Coffee and Coffee and Chicory.—Ten specimens of
cocoa, sixteen of coffee and one of coffee and chicory were all
passed as genuine. Arsenic was specially tested for in the
cocoas, but with negative results.
Meat and Fish Preparations.—Of nine samples of meat and
fish pastes, two of meat pie, one of salmon, and eight of
sausages, examined during the year, only six were found to
contain boron preservative. The amounts found ranged from
1.8 grains to 16.1 grains per pound.
Preserved Vegetables.—Seven out of a total of ten samples
of peas were found to be adulterated with copper salts. The
amounts found ranged from 0.6 grain to 2.5 grains per
pound of peas, the results being expressed in terms of crystallised
sulphate of copper.
Jam and. Marmalade.—Two jams and one marmalade were
returned as genuine. Tests for metallic contamination and
for traces of arsenic gave negative results.
Lime Juice Cordial.—A sample of this article was found
to contain 0.35 grain of salicylic acid per pint and was, therefore,
reported as adulterated.
Drugs.—The total number of drugs analysed during the
year was eighteen and of these, two were found not to comply
with the requirements of the British Pharmacopoeia. Both of
these were samples of borax and they were found to contain
200 parts of arsenious oxide per million in one case and 65
parts per million in the other, the limit prescribed by the
Pharmacopoeia being 5 parts per million.
The following samples were also analysed and were found
to be genuine :—
Cheese 1 sample.
Lemonade Powder 5 samples.
Olive Oil 18 samples.
Sugar, Demerara 2 samples.
Tomato Sauce 1 sample.
The Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations.—Four
samples of cream and eight of preserved cream were examined
under these Regulations during the year. Adulteration was
reported in the case of a cream which contained 0.26 per cent.
of boric acid. All of the preserved creams contained boric
acid, but in no case was the limit of 0.4 per cent. exceeded.
The following Table shows action taken on adulterated
samples (other than milk and cream), and other infringements
of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts:—