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57
Analytical Work.
During the quinquennium just closed, certain articles of food have
been the subject of special investigation with a view to ascertaining the
presence of poisonous substances or the existence of adulteration.
In 1922, out of 22 samples of tinned peas, copper was found to be
present in quantities varying from 1 to 2½ grains per lb. in terms of
sulphate of copper.
Summonses were taken out in 3 instances ; but upon the first case
being dismissed, the other two summonses were withdrawn, and in the
remaining instances the vendors were cautioned by the Borough Council.
Since that date, however, the Public Health (Preservatives, &c., in Food)
Regulations, 1925, have been made by the Ministry of Health, and
copper is one of the colouring matters which, under those Regulations
may not be added to articles of food.
In 1922, certain informal samples of medical prescriptions were taken
with a view to testing the accuracy of the compounding. The critical
ingredient was Iodide of Potassium, and in certain samples this was
found to be deficient to an extent as high as 59 and 60 per cent. Later
on, early in 1923, a series of formal samples of medical prescriptions
were taken, all of which were compounded drugs prescribed under the
National Health Insurance Act. In 17 cases the degree of error varied
slightly from the quantities specified in the prescription ; but the
following seven samples were so inaccurately compounded that it was
decided to institute proceedings :—
Sample
No.
Prescription.
Analyst Report.
Result of
Proceedings.
58 Pot. Iodid. 80 grs. 70 grs. 12.5% deficient Fined £2, costs
Pot. Bicarb. 160 grs. 164½ grs. 2.8% excess £2 2s. 0d.
59 Pot. Iodid. 80 grs. 81 grs. 1.2% excess Fined £1.
Pot. Bicarb. 160 grs. 142 grs. 11.2% deficient
67 Pot. Iodid. 80 grs. 93 grs. 16.2% excess Dismissed,
Pot. Bicarb. 160 grs. 161 grs. 0.6% excess £4 4s. Od. costs
68 Pot. Iodid. 80 grs. 64 grs. 20% deficient Dismissed,
Pot. Bicarb. 160 grs. 161 grs. 0.6% excess £5 5s. 0d. costs
against
Council
110 Quin. Sulphate 6 grs. per oz. 5⅓ grs. per oz. 11.1% deficient Dismissed
111 Quin. Sulphate 6 grs. per oz. 5¼ grs. per oz. 12.5% deficient Do.
112 Bismuth. Carb. 20 grs. 17⅓ grs. 13.33% deficient. Do.
Sodii Bicarb. 30 grs. 27½ grs. 8.33% deficient
These cases aroused considerable interest among chemists generally,
and probably served a useful purpose in the direction of securing greater