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130
The following list shows in detail the results of analysis of individual
samples other than milk and spirits, which were adulterated and the
decision taken in each case, with the result of any legal proceedings
ordered by the Council:—
Cream.—67 samples were purchased. One of these was found to contain 21.8
grains of boric acid per pound. The vendor was prosecuted and a penalty of £2
was imposed.
Preserved Fruits.—39 samples of various kinds were purchased, and two of
these, namely, crystallised apricots, contained sulphur di-oxide in excess of the amount
allowed under the Public Health (Preservative) Regulations. One sample—informal
—contained 235 parts of S02 per million. A formal sample was then taken and was
found to contain 410 parts of S02 per million. Proceedings were taken, the vendor
pleaded his warranty and the case was dismissed. Owing to the warranty being
given more than six months previously, it was not possible to take any action against
the warrantors. The amount of preservative (SO,), allowed in these fruits is
100 parts per million.
Caviare.—One informal sample was taken, It was found to contain 22.4 grains
of boric acid per lb.
For some time the Food Manufacturers' Federation have been endeavouring to
find a method of keeping caviare fresh without the use of boric acid. It appears
that owing to difficulties in bringing sturgeon in a fresh state to this country, it has
not been possible to make complete scientific investigations on this side, although
certain useful experiments have been conducted. In the interests of the whole
industry, the matter is one, both as regards the preparation of this article of food,
and its condition when imported into this country, that should form the subject
of investigation by the Ministry of Health.
Sausages.—A number of samples of sausages taken from various vendors
throughout the City have shown small amounts of sulphur dioxide. The amounts
present were certainly under the amounts permitted by the Regulations, but in each
case the half-pound of sausages as bought by the Inspector was not labelled. The
whole packet from which the half-pound was taken was probably labelled correctly.
But if the purchaser asks for a half-pound of sausages, and he receives sausages
which are not labelled to the effect that they contain preservatives, he is entitled
to presume that they are not preserved. He is therefore prejudiced if he finds
those sausages are preserved.
The matter was brought to the notice of the Sausage Manufacturers' Association
with a view to some uniform action being taken to comply with the Regulations, and
we have been informed that reminders have been issued to members of the Association
that they are under an obligation to carry out the law (or regulation) as it exists.
Regulation of Street Trading.
The London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1927, provides for
the regulation of street trading by the issue of licences which must be
renewed annually. Special observation is kept by the Food Inspectors
on all stalls where food is exposed for sale and also the premises where
it is stored. Where stall-holders have their food stores in other districts