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Of the 20 adulterated samples, 3 were of potted brawn which
contained a preservative (Boracic Acid), but not in sufficient quantities
as to make it at all likely that proceedings could be successfully
taken. One sample of milk contained 21½ grains of Boracic Acid
per gallon. Proceedings were taken against the vendor and a penalty
of 40s. was inflicted. This is the first case in Hampstead in which
proceedings have been taken for the addition of preservatives to milk,
and it is only fair to the shopkeeper to add that as the result of an
action he subsequently obtained damages of £100 from the firm who
supplied the milk to him.
In one case of milk adulteration, the vendor proved that he sold
it in the same condition as supplied to him under a warranty, consequently
the summons was withdrawn.
In another case the milkman stated that the 17 per cent.
deficiency of butter fat was accounted for by the fact that the cream
of the milk had curdled during the hot weather and that subsequent
straining had lowered the quality of the milk. This defence
apparently satisfied the Magistrate, who merely ordered the defendant
to pay the costs of the case.
In another case the farmer's man who delivered the milk to the
shopkeeper came into Court and admitted that he had added the