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86
The one informal sample of butter reported against was found
to contain a slight excess of boric acid.
Of the 42 samples of butter examined, 15 were found to be free
from any preservative other than common salt; 26 contained a
boron preservative in quantities under 0.5 per cent., expressed in
terms of crystallised boric acid, whilst 1 contained a slight excess
of this preservative, as stated above.
The average content of boron preservative (expressed in terms
of crystallised boric acid) contained in the 26 samples of butter
reported as genuine, and which contained this preservative,
amounted to 0.23 per cent., equivalent to 16.1 grains per lb.
butter.
The 6 samples of margarine were all found to contain a boron
preservative in quantities under 0.5 per cent., the average for the
six samples amounting to 0.27 per cent. or 18.9 grains per lb.
margarine, expressed in terms of crystallised boric acid.
Of the 2 informal samples of cream of tartar reported against,
1 was found to contain an excess of arsenic, whilst the other contained
cornflour.
The 9 informal samples of cake (Madeira) reported against were
found to contain a boron preservative, in varying quantities.
In conclusion, I have to report that the total adulteration
during the quarter was, for formal samples, 7.7 per cent.; for
informal samples, 17.6 per cent. ; and for all samples, 9.8 per cent.
Third Quarter.—The following statement shows the nature
of the samples submitted, and the result of analysis, the details of
Drugs and "Other Articles" being given below:—