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Condiments, Spices, &c.—Of 2 samples of caraway seeds,
2 of curry powder, 4 of ginger, 5 of mustard, 6 of pepper and
3 of vinegar, only 2 were reported adulterated. These were
both mustard which contained 30 per cent. of starch coloured
with turmeric.
Spirits.—Thirteen samples of whisky were examined for
compliance or otherwise with the provisions of the Licensing
Act, 1921, and one was found to be 52.4 degrees under proof.
The Act provides that no spirits may be sold of strength
lower than 35 degrees under proof.
Drags.—The total number of drugs analysed during the
year was 39, and of these 3 were found not to comply with
the requirements of the British Pharmacopoeia. One zinc
ointment was deficient in zinc oxide to the extent of 3.3 per
cent., whilst 2 samples of milk of sulphur were found to contain
43.5 per cent, of calcium sulphate. This form of adulteration
was rather common in the past, but is seldom met
with at the present time. The occurrence of calcium sulphate
is due to the manufacturers employing sulphuric acid in
place of hydrochloric acid in the preparation of the milk of
sulphur. The presence of such a large percentage of calcium
sulphate, which is virtually plaster of Paris, is certainly
undesirable in a drug which may be taken internally.

No traces of arsenic, lead or copper were found in the
baking powders and lemonade powders. The specimen of
jelly crystals was found to be normal in its setting properties,
indicating the presence of a suitable quantity of
gelatine.
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