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prepared from skimmed or partially skimmed milk is sold as cheese, or,
sometimes, as a particular variety of cheese, which should be made from
whole milk. Cheese from whole milk contains about 50 per cent. of
fat, reckoned on the "dry" matter. In this connection it may be
remarked that a standard is highly desirable for cream; a product
containing 60 per cent. of fat is fairly common, and yet one containing
only 10 per cent. would have to be passed in the existing state of the
Law. Ice-cream, though relatively unimportant, presents similar
anomalies. Of four samples examined this year, two were merely frozen
custard powder with practically no fat, and two, which were sweetened
cream, contained respectively 9 and 20 per cent.
Apples have been somewhat prominent during the year, and it is
satisfactorv to note that, as the result of action taken in this Borough,
apples seriously contaminated with arsenic have almost disappeared
from the market, adequate steps being now taken at the ports to prevent
their entry. There is no diminution in the supply of apples apparent
affording another instance of the fact that pure food is obtainable when
it is insisted on.
The prosecutions which were instituted in the matter of the egg
custard, which contained only 4 per cent. of egg, were unfortunately
not successful; but it is satisfactory to be able to remark that it has
come to my knowledge that since those proceedings the amount of egg
in the product in question has been increased.
In conclusion, it may be noted that the proportion of adulterated
samples in the Borough is quite small, and compares favourably with
other districts.
I have the honour to remain,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) H. E. COX,
Public Analyst.