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Standards are laid down for cochineal solutions
sold for pharamceutical purposes, but manufacturers
claim that there is no necessity to conform to any standard
provided that the preparation is sold only for
culinary purposes, Since the housewife seldom
buys a bottle of colouring solution she is not
likely to remember what particular make is the best
and I am, therefore, of the opinion that all
preparations should conform to one standard, so
that people know what they are obtaining for their
money. Three samples of Gravy Powder made claims
to contain vitamins and to be of high nutritive
value, although they were devoid of the former
and possessed practically no nutritive value,
when used according to directions. A sample
sold as a Lemon Substitute, containing about a
third of an ounce of tartaric acid with the
merest trace, if any, of vitamin C, was sold at
ninepence, whilst an Orange Substitute consisted
of a 4 per cent solution of tartaric acid and
contained no Vitamin C. A bottle of Tomato
Sauce contained sulphur dioxide preservative
without a declaration to this effect on the label.
Two samples of saccharin tablets and two of
sweetening solution were found to be 50 per cent
deficient in sweetening capacity, according to
the claims made for them. A sample of cloves
contained 20 per cent of stalk and powder, which
could have been removed without much trouble and
one of Parsley, Thyme and Lemon Stuffing was
devoid of any lemon flavouring. This type of
preparation is only seasonal and is dependent on
catch sales. A sample of vinegar, sold from the
bottom of a cask, was swarming with vinegar eels.
Five bottles of Friars Balsam were found to contain
from three-quarters to one and a half times the
Pharmacopeoial dose, but without any guide to the
purchaser as to dosage or quantity contained in
the bottle. Orange Tonic Wine was found to
contain no quinine or Vitamin C. and was devoid
of any tonic properties, whilst two samples of
Peppermint Essence, recommended for medicinal
purposes, were prepared with isopropyl alcohol as a solvent.
I have the honour to be,
M.r. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS McLACHLAN,