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Food and Drugs Act, 1938.—Altogether, 409 samples were
submitted during the year to the Public Analyst for analysis in
accordance with the provisions of the above Act and of these, 44
were formal and 365* informal. One formal and 15 informal samples
were reported as being non-genuine or otherwise unsatisfactory,
the resultant adulteration figure of 3.9% showing a commendable
decrease of 0.2% from that of last year.
As in previous years Milk was the main food sampled and of
the 70 samples submitted for analysis only one proved to be
adulterated. In this instance the presence of 0.5% added water
was presumed on account of the deficiency of milk-solids other
than milk-fat. The explanation offered by the vendor was considered
adequate and satisfactory and no legal proceedings were
instituted.
Under the heading of " Manufacture and Sale of Ice Cream "
introduced earlier in this Section of the Report, an outline has
been given to the Ministry's scheme of increased allocations of fat
and sugar to manufacturers of Ice, Cream who undertook to ensure a
minimum fat content of 2½% in their products. Of the 33 samples
submitted for chemical analysis in accordance with this scheme,
*This figure includes 3 samples not taken in the normal course of Food
and Drugs sampling. One sample of sterilised milk was submitted
as the result of a complaint, full particulars of which will be found
under the heading " Analytical Examination of Milk," and two
samples of molasses were taken on " request." The latter samples
proved unsatisfactory but the commodity was not intended for human
consumption in its present form.
These samples have not been included in the adulteration percentage
figures.