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49
SUPERVISION OF FOOD AND DRUGS.
During the year 1934, 982 samples of food and drugs were submitted to the Public
Analyst for examination, 796 of which were taken as informal or test samples without the
formalities of the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, being observed. Seventeen
of these informal samples were reported against, as follows :—
Samples.
7 Sausages 43
3 Spices 43
2 Liniment of Turpentine 3
1 Vinegar 33
1 Canned Fish 5
1 Meat Products 18
1 Canned Vegetables 46
1 Soup 4
17

The above-mentioned samples, with the exception of milk, were taken as the result
of informal samples having been reported against.
General Observations.—The percentage rate of adulteration of all food and drugs sampled
in the City was 3-9, as compared with 3 - 7 in 1933.
Butter, Cream and, Cheese.—None of the 56 samples of these important articles of dairy
produce was reported against.
Spices, etc.—Five samples of curry powder were reported against as containing lead
and lead compounds in amounts varying from 44 to 160 parts per million. Where there
was any remaining stock unsold, this was surrendered for destruction. It was found that
the material sampled had been in stock for some considerable time, and it was not possible
to trace the source of contamination.
Sausages.—Of the 50 samples of sausages taken, 12 were reported against. Four of
the samples were found to contain preservative, although no statutory declaration had been
made of its presence. In these cases the vendors were cautioned. The remaining eight samples
contained preservative in excess of the maximum amount permitted by the Public Health
(Preservatives, etc., in Food) Regulations, although its presence was declared. On investigation
it was found that in each case the sausages had been supplied by one and the same
manufacturer. The attention of this Company was directed to the breach and the matter
was immediately remedied.
Spirits.—It is interesting to note that no one of the 18 samples of spirits procured was
certified as adulterated.
Drugs.—Only two of the 113 samples of drugs which were taken informally were certified
by the Public Analyst to be not in accordance with the requirements of the British Pharmacopoeia.
In one case it was not possible to procure a formal sample, as the vendor had no
remaining stock ; in the other instance, the formal sample proved genuine.
EXAMINATION OF., MILK
Chemical.—Fourteen of the 154 samples of milk, which were all taken formally, were
certified to be below the limits laid down which presume adulteration; this gives a percentage
figure of 9.0, compared with 6.6 in 1933. Legal proceedings were instituted with regard
to eight of the samples, and convictions registered in respect to four of these. In one case the