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43
Cake.
Nine samples were examined; only two disclosed the presence of boric acid,
the quantity being 4.34 and 9.52 grains per pound respectively. In the previous
year, 1925, when a similar number of samples of cake were examined all the nine
disclosed presence of boric acid. The result of the examination last year would
seem to indicate that cakes are being made without the use of preserved liquid
egg. Letters were sent to the vendors of the two samples in which preservative
was found, drawing their attention to the matter and urging the desirability of
the use of preservative being discontinued in the food.
Calomel Ointment.
Four samples of calomel ointment were examined, one of which was deficient
in calomel to the extent of 40 per cent. Proceedings were instituted against the
vendor, who was convicted and fined £14 and £2. 2s. 0d. costs. The same vendor
was convicted for a similar offence in the year 1925.
Cheese.
Thirteen samples of cheese were examined. The samples were obtained at
dairies, provision dealers, general shops and restaurants, and included Colonial
and English cheese in the Cheddar, Cheshire, Stilton and soft cheese varieties. All
the samples were reported to be genuine. Legislation has not yet been enacted
in this country to standardise this article of food; this is the more to be regretted
as cheese is an important item in the dietary of the poorer part of the community.
It is very desirable that in all such foods a high nutritive value should be secured.
Jam.
Two samples of jam were found to be adulterated by the addition of 10 per
cent. apple matter. In one case the addition was disclosed on the label attached
to the container in which the jam was sold and no proceedings were taken. In
the second case proceedings were instituted. The retailer pleaded a warranty
defence on which the summons was dismissed. Subsequently, proceedings were
instituted against the makers who gave the warranty. The defendants were
convicted and fined £20 and £15. 15s. 0d. costs.
Milk.
One hundred and seventy-nine samples of milk were purchased and analysed,
of which four only were certified as not genuine. In one of these the deficiency in
fat was very slight, and no action was taken. In three cases action was taken
with the following results: —
(a) Abstracted fat 5 per cent.; withdrawal on payment of 20s. costs.
(b) Abstracted fat 6-6 per cent.; dismissed on payment of three guineas costs.
(c) Abstracted fat 32 per cent.; convicted; fined 40s. and 21s. costs.