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118
In other words, Cream containing Boric Acid may not be sold
unless labelled " Preserved Cream," and "Preserved Cream "
may only be sold under a declaratory label, provided that the
amount of Boric Acid present is not injurious to health.
These Regulations were formed as the result of representations
made by the Sanitary Authorities and the Trade.
The Trade, I understand, appear to have adopted a limit of
0 5 per cent, of Boric Acid.
In cases in which the amount appears to be excessive, proceedings
can, of course, be taken under the Sale of Food and Drugs
Act, even though the vendor has complied with the requirements
of the Milk and Cream Regulations.
Preserved Cream is not an article that will be indulged in by
large numbers of consumers in this Borough, as the mass of the
population is hardly in a position to afford such luxuries. To the
best of my knowledge the amount of cream being supplied outside
the better-class residential quarters is practically nil, and the
obtaining of formal samples will be difficult and the numbers
consequently small.
Sugar in Milk.
It is not very easy to understand why Cane and Beet Sugar
were specifically excluded from the list of preservatives or thickening
substances (Article 1).
Sugar in the quantities in which it would be added to milk
is neither a preservative nor a thickening substance. To add
sugar to milk in sufficient quantity to be of any use for either
purpose-would be too expensive to be considered, seeing what the
respective prices of milk and sugar are. It is not anticipated that
either Cane or Beet Sugar will be added to milk for these reasons.
Why these substances are specially permitted is not very clear.
Article 6 requires that before proceedings be taken, the
defendant be given an opportunity of explaining. This refers not
only to the first offence, but to every offence. This is no doubt
provided because of the serious nature of such an offence and the
heavy penalty incurred, and is probably intended to enable the
Ixjcal Authorities to use their discretion, and in the case of first
offences to caution and warn the defendant that subsequent offences
will result in a heavy penalty. In subsequent offences there need
be no delay, for the defendant's explanation can be sent to the
Sanitary Authority in writing.
I understand that the Regulations are now being enforced
throughout the Lnited Kingdom, and with two or three exceptions
in all the Metropolitan Boroughs.