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108
FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS.
The reports of the public analyst, Dr. Stevenson, copies of which are appended
(see p. 59-69) shew that 184 samples were taken under the above Acts by the Vestry's
inspector, Mr. Quelch, and submitted to him for analysis. The number of samples
yearly taken, and the percentage of those found adulterated, since 1890 are
Contained in.

Of 1,054 samples taken during the past eight years 241 or 21.9 per cent. were
found to be adulterated or not of the substance, nature and quality demanded by the
purchaser.
The samples' taken by the inspector during 1897 included 47 of butter, 69 of
of milk, 15 of coffee, 15 of whiskey, 9 of gin, 8 of Demerara sugar, 6 of rum, 6 of
mustard, 6 of vinegar, 2 of preserved green peas, 1 of sugar and 1 of condensed milk.
In addition the public analyst analysed three samples of butter and one of condensed
milk which were taken in Shoreditch by private persons.
As the result of the analyses proceedings were successfully instituted in 12
instances for adulteration of milk, 9 for butter, 3 for selling sugars other than that
known as Demerara which was asked for, 3 for selling whiskey diluted with water in
excess of the quantity which may be legally added, 1 for rum, 1 for coffee, and 1 for
mustard which was adulterated with flour and coloured with turmeric. In one case
of milk adulteration the summons was withdrawn on payment of the Vestry's costs.
In one case where the summons had been taken out in respect to the dilution of
whiskey with water it was dismissed with two guineas costs against the Vestry, and
in another case the summons was dismissed without costs. In one case where gin
was found to contain an excess of water the summons was also dismissed without
costs. In one case where diluted whiskey had been sold no proceedings were taken
as due warning appeared to have been given by a tablet fixed in the bar. In a case
where adulterated coffee had been sold no proceedings were taken as the wrapper
bore a label that the coffee had been sold as a mixture. In two cases of adulteration,
one of milk and one butter, the vendor absconded before the summons could be
served. In three instances the analyst did not advise proceedings being takeD.