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53
"If solder, which contains tin and lead, is allowed to gain access to
the interior of the can, a very conspicuous solution of the tin may take
place—such contamination is more serious on account of the simultaneous
risk of contamination by lead.
"In the case of tin it has been established that minute doses of tin
salts, when introduced into the body by subcutaneous injection continued
for a considerable period, produce a marked effect on general nutrition
and, in particular, affect the nervous system, causing paralysis and
other symptoms, but there is not much probability of serious risk or
chronic poisoning by the absorption of relatively small quantities of tin,
as a result of a diet which consists largely of canned foods continued for
considerable periods of time, though it appears to be well established
that an irritant action on the gastro-intestinal tract may take place, and
that tin salts, when present in foods in such quantity as might lead to
one or two grains of tin being absorbed at a time, have produced severe
illness in consequence of local irritation.
"It seems clear that in any kind of canned foods quantities of tin,
approximating to two grains to the pound, are not only unusual and
unnecessary, but also must be regarded with grave suspicion in
consequence of the risk of the irritant action of the tin they contain.
"Dr. Buchanan also points out that advantage would be gained from
the administrative point of view if the person or firm, by whom canned
goods are prepared, were in a position to determine by marks, labels or
otherwise, the date and place of preparation, and could be required to
furnish such particulars to Public Health Authorities concerned with
food inspection and the wholesomeness of foods."
Large quantities of canned goods are returned to this country from foreign
countries and the Colonies on account of complaints which have reached the
canner in this country as to the condition of the contents of the tins.
The canner naturally wishes to have them returned, first, in order that he
may be certain that the condition is as described, and secondly, to prevent
them being sold to the detriment of his good reputation.
It is the practice to seize all such consignments, but to allow the canner to
have samples for the purpose of examination.
The remainder, if found unsound or to contain tin in an appreciable
amount, are destroyed under the supervision of this Authority.