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APPENDIX.
Report of the Chief Sanitary Inspector,
For the Year ending December 31st, 1900.
SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS, 1875-1899.
The number of samples of food and drugs procured for analysis
during the year is 135, being a considerable increase on the numbers
purchased for analysis in any preceding year of which we have a record.
21 samples or 15.55 per cent, of the total were not genuine. Milk, as usual,
forms the chief subject of analysis and adulteration. Of the 14 samples (see
table) certified to be not genuine, eight contained extraneous water, five were
deficient in cream, while one contained extraneous water and was also
deficient in cream. Thus 20.90 per cent, of the samples purchased were
to the prejudice of the purchaser, as against 19 29 for last year. This
percentage is high compared with the Metropolis, which was 15.4 per
cent, in 1899. However, when we consider that in 1894 the very high
percentage of 38.46, more than a third of the samples bought for test
purposes in St. George's Parish were adulterated, we may look upon this
year's figures with less apprehension. At the same time it is almost
needless for me to say there is ample room for improvement in the milk
supply, and for a vigorous application of the Food and Drugs Acts.
Of the 34 samples of butter, or what was sold as butter, 3 or 8.80 per
cent, were condemned. This per centage is 4.33 lower than last year,
when it was 13.13 per cent. The number of samples of butter adulterated
vary considerably each year. In 1895 the percentage was 28 70; in
1896, 7.70; in 1897, 25.00, and in 1898, 00.00. The percentage for the
whole of London in 1899 was 12.9.
Of the five samples of Drugs procured for analysis 2, or 40 per
cent, were adulterated. This percentage is high, but may be to some
extent due to the small number of samples taken.
Twenty-five summonses have been taken out against offenders. The
fines and costs amounting to £60 14s.