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Sponge Cakes, Fairy Cakes, &c.
During the year 13 samples of sponge cakes were submitted
to the Public Analyst. All these samples were procured informally.
Two of the samples contained 6.5 and 6.9 grains per lb. of
crystallised boric acid respectively.
Butter.
During the year 103 samples of butter were submitted for
examination. Of these 22 were taken in the form prescribed by
the Acts, the remaining 81 samples were purchased informally.
Of these 1 formal and 2 informal samples were reported by
the Public Analyst as containing margarine.
Of the 100 samples reported as genuine, 24 contained no
preservative other than common salt, whilst 75 contained a boron
preservative. The maximum quantity of this preservative permitted
in butter is 0.5 per cent, or 35 grains to the lb., but in no
case was an excess found present, the average amount contained
in the 100 samples amounting to 0.26 per cent or 18.2 grains to
the lb. of butter. The average moisture content for all the samples
(103) was found to be 13.9 per cent.
Margarine.
Twenty-eight samples of margarine were purchased and submitted
to the Public Analyst for examination. Of these 16 were
procured formally and 12 informally, and all were reported as
genuine.