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1906] 252
being sent to the Public Analyst, in view of the recent events in the
United States. I am anxious to utilise the opportunity to collect information
as to use of preservatives and colouring matters in the foods in
question.
The presence of preservatives and colours in such foods as sausages,
potted shrimps, etc., has of course often been ascertained, but the
condition of certain other meat products, whether of home or foreign
manufacture, in regard to preservatives is less clearly established ; and
there seems to be special need for information as to presence or absence
of preservatives in "canned," tinned or other foods which are hermetically
sealed, in view of the indication that may be afforded that the meat was
not fresh at the time of " canning."
Accordingly I am inviting Public Analysts by letter to supply me
with facts as to preservatives and colouring matters in any meat products
which they have lately examined or may shortly be receiving.
In order that this information may be as complete as possible I
would be much obliged if you would kindly arrange to transmit to the
Analyst, in regard of samples lately collected, or shortly to be collected,
full particulars as to each sample, viz.: (a) the description of the article
purchased, (6) the nature of the receptacle, if any, in which it was
purchased (hermetically sealed can or tin, covered pot, etc.), (c) the name
of the manufacturer, brand of goods or any other statements on the label.
I may state here that it is not intended to make published use of any
name, etc., by which individual firms may be identified.
I would like to make a further suggestion regarding samples which
may shortly be collected, namely, that in the case of meat products in
cans, tins, etc., it would often be best that the whole sample as purchased
should be sent to the analyst. This proceeding would prevent prosecutions
being instituted in the case of such samples, but on the other hand the
principle point in many of these cases, alike for local and central authority,
is knowledge of the facts, before questions of prosecution are considered.
By not dividing the sample the analyst has more material for examination;
he can if he desires, make bacteriological examinations to see if the
contents of the can, etc., are sterile, and he is better acquainted with the
nature of the material he is testing.
If in ordinary circumstances arrangements regarding sampling under
the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts do not come under your direction, I