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1899]
222
Butter.—132 samples were examined, of which 10, or 7.6 per
cent., were adulterated. This proportion is less than in the
preceding year, when 10, or 9.8 per cent, out of 102, samples
were wrong. The fraud in the case of butter is as a rule the
substitution of margarine, a substance made of animal fat,
for the genuine article, although occasionally a mixture of
margarine and butter has been sold. The first mentioned practice
is at present being closely inquired into. It is not one which the
great majority of the local traders pursue, but is practically confined
to certain Welshmen, who seem to make a trade of this description
of fraud in several parts of London, and who boldly announce that
they sell dairy products, when there is no dairy produce except
eggs on their premises. Fines to the amount of £11 10s. od.
were imposed on defendants, together with £4 9s. 6d. costs.
Cheese.—Out of 18 samples analysed none was adulterated.
The usual practice where fraud is attempted is to substitute
margarine-cheese for the genuine article.
Spirits.—49 samples of whiskey, 5 of rum, 11 of brandy and
5 of gin were examined, of which 4 whiskeys and 1 brandy were
found to be adulterated with water.
Margarine.—48 samples were procured, of which 7, or 14.6
per cent, were sold contrary to the provisions of the Margarine
Act. In 6 cases the wrappers in which the articles were sold were
not properly labelled, and in 1 instance the bulk from which it was
taken was not marked.