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85
A boron preservative was present in each of the 28 samples,
the average amount present expressed as crytallised boric acid
being 0.345 per cent., equivalent to 24.1 grains per lb. The average
moisture content for all samples (28) proved to be 13.7 per cent.
Apples.
In December, 1925, attention was directed by the Ministry of
Health (Circular 659, dated December 21st) to the presence of
arsenic on certain imported apples. Consequently fruiterers'
samples for analysis were obtained during the year 1926 and
submitted to the Public Analyst, comprising in all 1 formal and
9 informal samples.
Of these the formal sample was reported as genuine whilst of
the informal samples 4 were reported against as containing traces
of arsenic varying from 1/100th to l/172nd of a grain per lb. of
apples.
Sausages, Preserved Meats, &c.
Twelve samples of sausages (including 3 of breakfast sausage
and 1 of luncheon sausage), and 1 sample of brawn and 9 of fish
paste were examined during the year, all of which were procured
with the necessary formalities prescribed by the Acts.
All were reported as genuine with the exception of 4 of fish
paste, which were found to contain a boron preservative varying
from 1.3 to 11.2 grains per lb. expressed as crystallised boric acid.
Rice.
Twenty samples of rice (10 formal and 10 informal) were
procured and submitted to the Public Analyst and all were reported
as genuine. One formal and 6 informal samples proved to be
polished, while the talc coating on 4 informal samples ranged from
0.32 per cent, to 0.22 per cent., with an average of 0.29 per cent.
In no case was the maximum permissible amount of 0.5 per cent.
reached or exceeded.
Ice Cream Vendors.
There are 148 premises in the borough from which ice cream
is sold, 8 of these being occupied by Italian vendors by whom this
article of food is sold from barrows.
All the premises, stalls, barrows, &c., from which the trade
is carried on are kept under daily inspection during the season.
During 1926, 66 of the ice cream premises were removed from the
register and 13 were added. There was, therefore, a decrease of 53
in the number of premises compared with 1925.
During the year 451 inspections were made and 32 notices
were served to remedy defects found on inspection. In addition,
during the summer season a daily inspection of street barrows and
the utensils, glasses, towels, &c., used thereon was carried out.
The improvement in the manner in which this commodity is
now sold, referred to in a previous report, is being maintained.