View report page

133
ANALYSIS OF FOOD AND DRUGS,
WATER, &c.
1.—Food and Drugs.
During the year 1905, 1,200 samples have been purchased
through the Food and Drugs Inspector (Mr. Perrin) within the
Borough of Lambeth, and submitted to the Public Analyst for
analysis. Of the 1,200 samples, 57 {i.e., 4.8 per cent.) were
reported by the Analyst to be adulterated, varying quarterly as
follows:—1st quarter, 5.6 per cent.; 2nd, 4.2 per cent.; 3rd,
2.6 percent.; and 4th, 5.3 per cent.; and 41 summonses were
issued, with the result that 30 convictions were obtained,
together with £47 0s. 0d. in penalties, and £19 0s. 8d. in
costs. In 10 cases the vendors were cautioned. Full details
are to be found on pp. 136-138, and in the Appendix (pp.
27-33).
Taking the average of 10 years (1891-1900), the annual
number of samples taken in the old Parish of Lambeth is 501,
of which 74 (i.e., 14.8 per cent.) were found, on analysis, to be
adulterated; whilst the annual average number of summonses
issued is 53, with 52 convictions and £104 5s. 5d. in penalties,
and £35 0s. 3d. in costs. In 16 cases (average), the vendors were
cautioned. In the Borough, 710, 701, 1,010 and 1,200 samples
were taken during 1901, 1902, 1903 and 1901 respectively.
During 1905, 6 samples were submitted to the Public Analyst
by private purchasers, viz.: vinegar 1, and butters 5. The 5
samples of butter were all declared by the Analyst to be
adulterated, viz., 94, 97, 97, 99 and 100 per cent. of margarine
respectively. The sample of vinegar was declared to be genuine.
One sample of milk, suspected to contain preservatives, was
submitted privately, and proved, on analysis, to be free from
both formalin and boracic acid.