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Cream Regulations. The Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations, 1912, made by the
Local Government Board in pursuance of the powers conferred by Section 1 of the Public Health
(Regulations as to Food) Act, 1907, came into force on October 1st, 1912. They prohibit absolutely
the presence of any kind of preservative in milk or in cream containing less than 35 per cent, of
milk fat, and the addition of any thickening substance except sugar to cream of any kind. In the
case of cream containing 35 per cent, of fat or more, the effect of the Regulations is to permit the
additions of boric acid, borax or peroxide hydrogen, provided the cream so preserved is sold in
vessels bearing a label with a printed declaration of the percentage of borax or peroxide which has
been used. The additions of any other kind of preservative is prohibited.
In all cases the Public Analyst examines milk and cream for preservatives. A list is appended:

(1) Milk.—No preservatives were found in the samples of milk examined.
(2) Cream.—In May, the President of the Local Government Board stated that the evidence
at the present time available as to the influence on health of the addition of small quantities of
preservatives being to some extent contradictory, he had decided to nominate a small expert
committee to investigate anew the question. Whilst awaiting the result of this enquiry, which
would not be of a lengthy character, he expressed the opinion that it is inadvisable that local
authorities should institute proceedings except in cases where the amount of boric acid in the cream
exceeds the amount declared on the label or where the amount so declared is clearly excessive.
This Committee has apparently not yet been formed.
In twenty samples of cream—not sold as preserved cream—9 contained preservatives (boric
acid) varying from 12.142 grains to 33.096 grains per pound. Proceedings were taken in 3 cases
under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, and penalties were inflicted to the amount of £ 10 and
10s. 6d. costs in two cases, and £2 and 10s. 6d. costs in the other.
Preserved Cream.—Two samples were taken, both of which contained preservative, in the
first case 16.856 grains of boric acid per pound, and in the other 14.875 grains. No action was
taken in either case on account of tt e conditions of sale.
WATER SUPPLY.
A summary of the sources of the water taken from the Thames to supply Kensington will be
found in the Annual Report for 1912 on page 42. No complaints of the quality of the water
supplied were received during the year under consideration.
Water Supply to New Houses.—During the year 15 newly-erected houses were inspected
and certified before occupation under Section 48 (2) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, as
having a proper and sufficient supply of water.