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251
[1904
(d) That the only preservative permitted to be used in butter and
garine be boric acid and mixtures of boric acid and borax, to be
used in proportions not exceeding 0.5 per cent. expressed as boric
acid.
(e) That in the case of all dietetic preparations intended for the use of
invalids or infants chemical preservatives of all kind be prohibited.
(f) That the use of copper salts and the so called greening of preserved
foods be prohibited.
(g) That means be provided either by the establishment of a separate
Court of Reference or by the imposition of more direct obligation
on the Local Government Board, to exercise supervision over the
use of preservatives and colouring matters in foods and to prepare
schedules of such as may be considered inimical to the public
health."
Since then nothing has been done with respect to these recommendations.
It was proved that borax, boracicl acid, formalin, and many patent
preservatives, whose base is generally boracic acid, are used to preserve milk,
cream, butter, sausages, polonies, potted meats, brawn, pork pies, lard, eggs,
fruits, jams, fish, game, poultry, hams, bacon, temperance drinks, such as herb
beers, together with many other foods.
Salicylic acid has been found in ginger wines, lime juice cordials, cider,
bottled beer, sherry, port, jams, etc., etc.
Formalin has been found in milk, cream, temperance drinks, etc.
Sulphites have been found in temperance drinks and in imported beer.
Under these circumstances the Public Health Committee supported a
request of the Camberwell Borough Council to address a communication to the
Local Government Board requesting it to take such steps as may be necessary
in order that a limit may be fixed to the amount of boracic acid which may be
mixed with food and to approach the Local Government Board with a similar
request.