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117
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
Jam.
Two samples of lemon marmalade, both submitted informally,
were returned as containing an excess of moisture over the maximum
permissible, namely, 35 per cent., as laid down by the Jam Order.
Drugs.
It is highly satisfactory to note that of the 56 samples of drugs
examined only one was found to be not up to standard. This
particular sample, one of calcium acid phosphate, which upon
examination was found to contain an excessive (comparatively)
quantity of arsenic, was, as a matter of fact, not being offered for
sale, by retail, in the Borough, but was brought to me in connection
with a sample of baking powder in which I had found an excess of
arsenic, the calcium acid phosphate having been employed as an
ingredient in the manufacture of the said baking powder.

Of the informal samples classed under "Other Articles" in
the General Statement, four samples of baking powder were reported
against as yielding insufficient gas to render them efficient in use.
One of these samples also contained an excess of arsenic.
In this connection, it is to be regretted that the authorities
have not as yet seen their way towards fixing a minimum limit to
the amount of available carbonic anhydride (CO2) to be yielded
by such articles as baking powders, "egg powders," and selfraising
flour. In the absence of any such recognised legal limit it