Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Report on the public health of 1902
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102
Condensed Milk.—In 1902 we instituted a prosecution for
selling condensed milk certified to contain 44.74 per cent, of cane
sugar, and as this was a test case, it is necessary to report upon it
somewhat fully. The facts are these:—
At the Clerkenwell Police Court, on August 15th, William Shapcott,
of Brewer Street North, Finsbury, was summoned before
Mr. d'Eyncourt, at our instance, for selling "condensed milk" which
was certified by Mr. J. Kear Colwell, F.I.C., Public Analyst for the
Borough, to contain 44.74 per cent, of cane sugar. J Mr. Eicketts
prosecuted, and Mr. Beck defended. Mr. A. J. Giles watched the
case on behalf of the Metropolitan Grocers' Association.—Mr.
Eicketts said the prosecution was taken out under the 6th section of
the Food and Drugs Act, and the defendant was charged with selling,
to the prejudice of the purchaser, "condensed milk" which had
been adulterated fry the admixture of sugar to the extent of 44.74
‡ Mr. Colwell examined in all five samples of condensed milks, with the
following results
Results of analysis of whole milk are also added for comparative purposes:—
Description of Sample. | Water. | Fat. | Proteids. | Lactose. | Mineral Matter. | Cane Sugar. | Deficient in Fat. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | 26.25 | 1.80 | 12.05 | 14.80 | 2.35 | 42.75 | per cent. 82 |
B | 24.30 | 1.60 | 11.46 | 15.50 | 2.40 | 44.74 | 84 |
C | 23.20 | 2.00 | 11.72 | 14.88 | 2.80 | 45.40 | 80 |
D | 25.45 | 1.00 | 12.26 | 14.71 | 2.45 | 44.07 | 90 |
E | 24.40 | 2.00 | 9.60 | 15.50 | 3.00 | 45.50 | 80 |
Sweetened whole milk | 22.55 | 12.00 | 9.28 | 13.36 | 2.20 | 40.66 | — |
Unsweetened whole milk | 62.39 | 10.80 | 11.09 | 13.67 | 2.05 | — | — |
Four of these samples were sold in cans on which were labels notifying the
fact that they contained condensed machine-skimmed milk mixed with cane
sugar, but on the other can no mention was made of the addition of cane sugar.
Proceedings were therefore instituted as recorded above.