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207
Twelve of the samples purchased in the Borough in 1916 were
not satisfactory; and, therefore, the percentage of non-genuine
samples amounted to 7.7 per cent., a figure which is identical with
that of the preceding year. The figure for the whole country was
8 4 per cent. during the year 1912, and that for London for the same
year was 8.8.
8.3 per cent. of the 72 Milk samples were unsatisfactory, as
against 12.3 per cent. during the preceding year; but in some cases
the deficiency below the legal limits was very slight.
In London the percentage of Milk samples reported against
was about 11 during 1916.
It should be added that many of the samples purchased were
below the quality of the average milk supply of London, although
they were a trifle above the low legal limits which have been fixed.
Many samples purchased under the Sale of Food and Drugs
Acts have been obtained through the employment of a deputy,
for the Sanitary Inspectors are well known to tradesmen and others.
All the samples of Milk, Butter, Cream and Margarine were
tested for antiseptics, with the result that 0 of the samples of Milk,
5 of Cream, 16 of Margarine, and 16 of Butter were found to contain
them. In no case was the amount sufficient to warrant a
prosecution, and in each case boric acid was found; but in one
or two instances the vendors were cautioned.
All but one of the 18 Butter samples taken throughout the
year were found to be satisfactory. With the exception of small
amounts of boric acid (in 16 out of 18 samples) I have not succeeded,
in the limited number of samples with which I have had to deal, in
discovering anything to take exception to.