View report page

In addition to the above, five samples of milk were reported to be
of poor quality. Also one sample of margarine was sold in a wrapper
which was not marked in accordance with the Margarine Acts. The
Council instituted proceedings against the Vendor, who, in turn,
summoned his Assistant, who was held to be responsible. The
summons against the Vendor was dismissed. The Assistant was fined
ten shillings.
'Warranty" Defence.
During 1924, one dairyman was prosecuted by the Council for
selling milk 5 per cent. deficient in fat, also one for selling margarine
containing 18 per cent. water, being 2 per cent. above the legal limit
of 16 per cent. The "Warranty" defence was successfully proved in
each case and the summonses were dismissed.
Preservatives,
Of the samples analysed during 1924, preservatives were found to
be present in two samples of beef sausages. The amounts of boric
acid found were 10½ and and 13 1/3 grains to the lb. respectively.
It was not considered desirable, in view of the absence of any
definite standard on the subject of the amount of preservative
permissible in sausage-meat, to institute proceedings in these cases.
The Departmental Committee which has been investigating the
subject of the addition of preservatives to food have now made their
Report to the Ministry of Health, and it is to be hoped that in the
near future their recommendations will become law.