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89
ANALYSIS OF FOOD AND DRUGS,
WATER, Etc.
During the year 1899, 600 samples have been purchased
and submitted to the Public Analyst for analysis. Taking
the average of the last ten years (1889-98), the annual
number of samples taken is 441, of which 69 (i.e., 15.7%)
were found, on analysis, to be adulterated. The annual
number of summonses issued is 48, with 48 convictions
(together with 17 cautions), and .£94 13s. 6d. in penalties)
and £31 11s. 3d. in costs, during the same decennium.
Of the 600 samples taken during 1899, 65 (i.e., 10.8%)
were reported by the Analyst to be adulterated; 52
summonses were issued, with the result that 49 convictions
were obtained, together with £76 10s. Od. in penalties, and
£29 12s. 6d. in costs ; and in 6 cases the vendors were
cautioned. Full details are to be found on pp. 90-92.
The Inspector (Mr. W. J. Perrin), who has charge of
this department, is to be congratulated, his samples being
purchased by deputy, as a rule. The new Food and
Drugs Act gives greater powers to the Inspectors, and
alters the procedure in one or two instances, as will be
seen by reference to pp. 93-94.
The results of the monthly examinations of the Water
supplied to the Parish of Lambeth by the Southwark and
Vauxhall and the Lambeth Companies were satisfactory
during 1899.