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Thus the total number of formal and informal samples dealt
with by the Public Analyst amounted to 1,171; 39 were reported
against. The percentage of adulteration was therefore 3.33.
Tables A and B are set out in the form suggested by the
Ministry of Health in the Memorandum No. 36, dated January,
1927, on procedure under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, etc.
Milk.—635 formal samples of milk and 3 formal samples of
separated milk, totalling 638, were submitted for analysis. 12
were adulterated, giving a percentage of 1.88, being a decrease of
.37 over last year. In six cases the article did not comply with
the requirements owing to the abstraction of fat, and in six cases
the adulteration was due to added water. Included in the formal
samples were 4 sterilized milks, sold in sealed bottles. These
were reported as genuine.
Moisture in Butter and Margarine.—11 samples of butter
and 5 samples of margarine also examined to ascertain the amount
of moisture were all certified to be within the statutory limit of
16 per cent.
85 purchases were informally made of articles of food as test
samples only. These were made up of milk 30, butter 28, margarine
16, and cream 11. Four margarines were sold in wrappers
with the word "Margarine" not distinctly legible or with only
a part of the word thereon. Cautions were given to the vendors.
Of the 11 samples of cream 7 were not labelled. Formal
samples were afterwards taken to ascertain whether the cream
was preserved or unpreserved.
During the year 721 post-cards were sent to the vendors of
genuine samples, informing them that there was no need to retain
the portions left with them any longer.
This system of notification is much appreciated by the traders
concerned.