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0.5 parts of acetic acid in 100 parts of mincemeat. Another sample also
possessed a very acid odour and taste but contained 0.6% of acid calculated
as acetic acid. Your analyst considers that when the full legal
quantity of acetic acid is added to a mix which is already acid for other
reasons it forms a product which tends to be unsatisfactory.
2 Samples of Figs were reported as inferior as they were rather badly
attacked by acaries, and although these were mostly dead and in any case
would be killed in cooking, the white matter on the figs was really
excretory matter from the mites. This white deposit is generally considered
by laymen to be due to the crystallisation of sugar.
Some Dates were found to be dirty, but no grit could be separated and
they were reported as inferior.
6 Samples of Prunes possessed a creosote smoky flavour. One sample
was dirty and the plums had evidently fermented before drying. Another
sample was mouldy and sugar had later crystallised on the outside. These
prunes would not cook satisfactorily.
4 Samples of Semolina were considered to be too fine as more than
40% passed a 40 mesh sieve.
3 Samples of Flake Tapioca, one received as a complaint, were so
uneven in size that they could not be cooked properly, and one of Seed
Tapioca Substitute was infested with maggots.
A sample of Coconut in Syrup contained only 17.5% of sugar. As
coconut contains about 4% of sugar your analyst was of the opinion that
the product should have been described as "Coconut in weak Syrup" and not
as "Coconut in Syrup" which denotes something which is really syrupy.
A packet of Ground Almonds contained 18.1% of free fatty acids calculated
as oleic acid and was reported as being unsuitable for sale for
human consumption. This sample was, however, old stock.
2 Samples of White Popper were found to contain an excessive number
of polygonal cells due to seed coat and should not properly have been
called white pepper.
A sample of Dripping was reported as inferior because it possessed
an objectionable odour and taste although the rancidity was insufficient
to show a positive test by chemical methods. The sample had probably
been improperly refined.
Samples of mixed pickles, date pudding, stewed steak and butter,
were all examined because of complaints by members of the public, but
were found to be genuine in each case.