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23
shows no appreciable variation from the average of the five preceding
years.
During the year further knowledge of the composition of genuine
milk has been collected and published by Dr. J. G. Davies (Analyst,
1952, 77, 499-524). Since the data have been carefully checked, and are
based upon over half a million analyses, they may be regarded as
authoritative, and it is of interest to quote from a Table showing the
average quality of milk over the whole of England during the past 50 years.

It will be observed from the figures quoted that a significant and
progressive fall in quality has taken place since about 1920, and that the
quality of milk sold in Deptford, which is no doubt typical of the London
milk supply, falls slightly below the average for the whole country. The
downward trend in quality is believed to be due to the breeding of cows
for milk quantity rather than quality, and it is suggested by Dr. Davies
that a system of payment by quality, such as obtains in some other
countries, should be adopted as the logical remedy.
As regards actual adulteration, as distinct from variation in quality,
only one sample of milk was reported upon adversely during the year,
and in this instance the indicated proportion of added water was only
one per cent."
In addition to the analyses under the Food and Drugs Act, 123 samples
were examined under other Acts, Orders and Regulations. Particulars
of these samples are furnished below:
Relevant Act or Order Article
Number
of
Samples
Number
Failing to
Comply
Nature of Irregularity
Food Standards
(Mustard) (No.2)
Orders, 1944-50
Mustard
1 0
Food Standards
(Liquid Coffee
Essences) Order
1945
Coffee and
Chicory
Essence
4 0