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The sample of butter No. 150 referred to in Table "D" was the outcome of
informal buying.
Four informal samples previously purchased of this vendor were reported
as containing 50, 50, 65 and 50 per cent, respectively of foreign fat.
Six samples of butter and three samples of margarine were analysed to ascertain
whether they exceeded the amount of moisture permitted. In no case was
there found to be an excess.
INFORMAL SAMPLING.
The informal samples purchased and submitted to the Public Analyst were
as follows :—
Butter
92
6 adulterated
Milk
58
All genuine
Blancmange Powders
2
Genuine
Peach Jam
1
Genuine
Glycerine and Black Currant Pastilles
1
Genuine
Sherbet
1
Genuine
Coffee
1
Genuine
The six butters reported against were adulterated to the extent of 50, 50,
65, 50, 95 and 35 per cent, respectively of foreign fat.
Samples subsequently purchased at the shops supplying the two latter
failed to disclose any further adulteration, and, as previously stated, the vendor
of the other four samples was convicted in respect of the official sample that was
afterwards taken.
MARGARINE.
Eighty-seven informal samples of margarine were purchased. Of this number
74 complied with the requirements as to stamping the wrappers, etc., 9 were sold
in wrappers indistinctly stamped, and 4 were sold in wrappers uot bearing the
word margarine.
Most of the informal buying was done during the evenings.
SALE OF FOOD ORDER, 1921
In connection with that part of the above Order dealing with the labelling
of imported meat at butchers' shops, it was found necessary to caution eleven
tradesmen who had omitted to exhibit the required labels.
With respect to the marking of imported eggs, cautions were given to fiftyseven
traders, on whose premises imported eggs were found exposed for sale,
not marked in accordance with the requirements of this Order.
Proceedings were instituted against one tradesman who had been previously
cautioned, and resulted in a fine of £2 and £2 2s. costs.
There seems to be a tendency on the part of salesmen to defeat the object of
the Section of this Order dealing with imported eggs, inasmuch as during the last
year many labels were found with the words "new laid" or "fresh" in large
letters and the "imported " or words dealing with the country of origin in minute
letters and not entirely discernible.
PUBLIC HEALTH (CONDENSED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1923.
The above Regulations came into operation on November 1st last.
On this date a standard for full cream condensed milk and machine skimmed
condensed milk came into force.
Regulations were also framed concerning the wording of the labels on the
tins.
From the above date to December 31st, 1923, two hundred and ninety-seven
shops were visited and the labels of the various brands of milk examined.
At thirty-one shops tins of condensed milk were found bearing the old form
of labels.
In accordance with the instructions of the Public Health Committee, the
tradesmen were in each case advised as to the requirements of the Regulations,
and cautioned.