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56
CHEMICAL WORK.
The Public Analyst is Mr. J. Kear Colwell, f.i.c.
In connection with the grading scheme for the Council's officers, which was adopted
during the year, a revision was made of the terms and conditions attached to the above
appointment. The rate of remuneration was stabilised at a fee of eleven shillings per sample,
and the number of samples to be examined during the year was increased to a minimum
of 800.
Arsenic in Apples.
In consequence of the publicity which was given during the year as to the frequency of
this contamination, a number of examples were examined, and a brief report was submitted on
the subject, from which the following extract is given:—
" I have thought it advisable to report on this subject, as during the past few weeks
it has been referred to rather frequently in the public press, and some information may
be desired as to the prevalence of this contamination and the amount of risk connected
with it. In various parts of the country apples have been found to be contaminated with
arsenic, occasionally in sufficient quantity to be dangerous to health. A number of
samples have been taken in this Borough and submitted to analysis. In several instances
small quantities of arsenic have been found, but so far the amounts have been
insignificant. The largest amount so far discovered was one-sixtieth of a grain per lb.
It is practically all on the surface of the fruit, so that there is no danger if the apples
are peeled before being eaten. The Minister of Health is dealing with the subject, and
has suggested that if any samples are found to be dangerously contaminated, arrangements
should be made to have them withdrawn from sale. It is suggested that this
course should be adopted."
Strawberry Jam.
A sample of this when submitted to analysis was found to contain at least 10 per cent,
of " apple matter."
It is a custom with many manufacturers to add a certain proportion of apple juice to
strawberry jam in order to make it set firmly, but this addition should be clearly stated on the
label. In this instance the local vendor had purchased the jam from a very well-known
manufacturer. There was nothing on the label to indicate that any admixture was present,
and it had been sold exactly as received.
Under the circumstances it would not have been equitable to take proceedings against
the vendor, and action could not be taken against the manufacturer as his premises were not
in the area of the local Authority.
The manufacturer readily gave an undertaking that in future all labels should comply
strictly with the Act, but the Committee decided that the facts mentioned should be brought
the notice of the Ministry of Health,