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89
Comment.—Of the five samples examined Nos. 1 and 5 call
for special remark. Sample 1, Lemon Squash, was grossly
contaminated, and because of the decomposition of the fish, the
contents would have been dangerous to drink. The possible
danger would be increased by the fact that, owing to the dark
colour of the bottle, the presence of the fish relic, which was too
large to pass the neck when the contents were poured out, might
not have been noticed.
Sample 5, Soda Water, is from the bacteriological point of
view a very inferior one. The very high bacterial contents
indicate three possible faults in the making of the beverage:
(a) The use of impure water, or
(b) The use of dirty bottles, or
(c) Insufficient safeguarding of the purity of the water
during the process of manufacture.
Samples 3 and 4 contained a larger quantity of suspended solids
than should be contained in effervescing drinks of this kind.
A. G. R. Foulerton.
Three prosecutions for unsound and diseased meat were instituted
during the year-the particulars are appended:—