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In addition to the above, three samples of milk were reported to
be of poor quality. Also two samples of margarine were sold in
wrappers which were not marked in accordance with the Margarine
Acts. The Ceuncil instituted proceedings against the Vendors, one
was fined £1 and one guinea costs, and the other 1s. and 12s. 6d. costs.
"Warranty" Defence.
During 1923 one dairyman was prosecuted by the Council for
selling milk 8 per cent, deficient in fat, but the "Warranty" defence
was successfully proved and the summons was dismissed.
Preservatives
Of the samples analysed during 1923 preservatives were found to
be present in ginger wine, pork sausages, salmon and shrimp paste,
Madeira cake, mimcemeat and cream. The largest amount of boric
acid found was 57 grains to the lb. in a sample of pork sausage.
On the subject of the use of preservatives, generally, it may be
stated that the Public Health Committee gave careful consideration to
this matter in the early part of 1923, and in view of existing conflicting
opinions as to what preservatives (if any) may be used in foodstuffs and
the extent to which they may be employed, together with the widely
different legal decisions arrived at on the prosecution, by various local
authorities, of vendors of foodstuffs containing preservatives, the Committee
formed the opinion that it was extremely desirable, in the
interest both of vendor and consumer, that a definite decision as to the
use of preservatives in food should be arrived at—a decision embodying
a standard to be adopted uniformly— and upon their recommendation
the Borough Council urged upon the Ministry of Health the importance
of a Bill being introduced into Parliament to alter the Food Adulteration
Acts in the following respects:—
(i) To provide that notification must be given, to the purchaser,
of any chemical preservative and the amount contained in any
food sold for human consumption.
(ii) To define what substances may be used as preservatives and
the maximum amounts that may be added to foods sold for
human consumption.
Condensed Milk.
On 1st May, 1923, the Minister of Health made the Public Health
(Condensed Milk) Regulations, 1923, which came into operation on 1st
November. "Condensed milk" is therein describe 1 as milk or
skimmed milk which has been concentrated by the removal of part of