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91
Margarine.
Twenty-three samples of margarine were purchased and submitted
to the Public Analyst for examination. Of these 5 were
procured formally and 18 informally, and all were reported as
genuine.
A boron preservative was present in each of the 23 samples,
the average amount present expressed as crystallised boric acid
being 0.18 per cent., equivalent to 12.6 grains per lb.
Ice Cream.
Six samples of ice cream were purchased and submitted to
the Public Analyst for analysis, and his report showed that these
had been prepared from milk, cane sugar and starch, and that no
preservatives were present in the samples.
The analytical data obtained showed that in 5 cases whole
milk had been employed in their manufacture, whilst in 1 case
milk diluted with about 10 per cent. water had been utilised. At
present there is no standard as to the composition of this article in
respect to milk fat or total solids.
Apples.
Attention was drawn by the Ministry of Health (Circular 659,
dated 21st December, 1925) to the fact that two cases of arsenical
poisoning had been traced to the consumption of imported Jonathan
apples.
Accordingly two samples of imported apples were procured
informally, and submitted to the Public Analyst, who reported
the presence of arsenic on the surface of both samples of the fruit
to the extent of l/1000th grain and 1/100th grain per lb. of apples
respectively.
Sausages, Preserved Meats, &c.
Five samples of sausages were examined during the year, of
which 4 were procured with the necessary formalities prescribed
by the Acts. Of these 4 were reported by the Public Analyst as
free from preservatives, whilst 1 contained a boron preservative
equivalent to 25.9 grains per lb. expressed as crystallised boric
acid.
Rice.
Eleven samples of rice and 3 of ground rice were procured
informally and submitted to the Public Analyst and all were reported
as genuine. Five of the 11 samples of whole rice proved to be
polished, the talc coating ranging from 0.43 per cent. to 0.06 per
cent., the average quantity for the 5 samples amounting to 0.25
per cent.