View report page

36
It will be seen that the seasonal variations is not very marked, and in both
boroughs the higher percentage of fat was in November and the lowest in May (Stepney)
and June (Holborn). Reports of samples taken all over the country show an average
fat content exceeding 3.5 per cent. From this, as well as the figures given above, it
would seem that the legal minimum for fat in milk is too low. The regulations issued
in 1923 respecting condensed milk and dried milk prescribe that the equivalent of fat
must be calculated on a 3.6 per cent. basis, and it seems reasonable to suggest that the
legal minimum for ordinary milk should be raised.
Peas (tinned).
Eleven samples were found to contain colouring matter, namely copper. In 7 of
these no actions was taken because the amount of copper was small and its presence
was disclosed on the label.
In 2 cases disclosure was not made on the labels, but the amount of copper was so
small that warning letters to the vendor were considered sufficient.
In 2 cases legal proceedings were instituted the result in one being a conviction
with a fine of £21 and £10. 10s. costs. The second case was dismissed on the
defendant agreeing to pay costs.
Prescription.
One prescription was found to be deficient in Bismuth carbonate to the extent of
ll.l per cent. It was considered that in this instance a warning would be sufficient.
Tomato Sauce.
A sample of tomato sauce was found to contain tin to the extent of 4.34 grains
per pound. This sample was obtained from a wholesale dealer who agreed to the
destruction of the whole consignment.
Sausages.
T »vo samples were found to contain boric acid, but the quantity was too small to
call for legal proceedings,
Chlorodyne.
All the so-called chlorodyne lozenges examined, fortunately were free from
morphia, their description being misleading.
During the year two samples of chlorodyne were purchased from retail chemists.
The first a one-ounce sample was found to contain morphine equivalent to about 0'67
grains per ounce of anhydrous morphine, in the second case a two-ounce sample the
amount of morphine present was equivalent to 1.32 grains of anhydrous morphine.