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28
Thirty samples of milk, although genuine, were
certified to be of poor quality; eight further samples
were deficient in fat to so slight an extent as not to
warrant legal proceedings, and the vendors were
therefore cautioned.
In the case of two samples sold as butter, but
found upon analysis to be margarine, the article was
supplied in a properly stamped wrapper, and no
proceedings were therefore taken; in two other cases
the vendors were cautioned by the Committee.
One genuine sample of vinegar was reported to be
of poor quality; another sample was so slightly below
the standard that no proceedings were taken against
the vendor, but a caution was administered.
The samples of rice were purchased as the result of
an investigation requested by the Board of Agriculture,
it being stated that rice was largely subjected to a
process termed " facing" with talc (powdered french
chalk) in order to improve its appearance, and to enable
the sale of poor grades of rice as an article of better
quality. In four cases the presence of talc was proved;
it was in such slight quantities in three cases that the
vendors were cautioned, and in the remaining case, in
view of the ignorance of the retail shopkeeper and a
suitable undertaking being given, a caution also was
considered to be sufficient.