View report page

120
Examination of those structures under a hand glass showed
that they had the appearance of haemo-lymph glands which are
normal bodily tissues. This first impression was afterwards
supported on microscopical examination carried out by the
Clinical Research Association, Ltd.
The bovine " tick," it is interesting to note, is a parasite of
hot arid climates. This insect injects smaller parasites directly
into the blood stream of oxen and gives rise to " Texas fever,"
as it is called, or " Redwater." It is not a parasite which is
known in this country, and further enquiries showed that this
diner was a gentleman with a good deal of experience of Eastern
countries, where this disease is quite prevalent.
The Meat Inspector observed during the year that certain
imported frozen lamb's livers packed in tin pails were of a vivid
red colour. A scraping from the surface of one of these coloured
livers was submitted for analysis.
The Public Analyst reports that this red colouring matter
consists of an organic dye known as eosin. Eosin is not prohibited
by the Preservative Regulations, and it is permitted both in
France and the United States of America as a food colouring.
The appearance of such coloured livers is by no means pleasing
to many people. The object of colouring foodstuffs is normally
that of endeavouring to present a more pleasing appearance to the
buyer. Here it is probable that because the surface livers in these
pails are apt to become discoloured through exposure in the
refrigerating chambers, the colouring is added as a further coating.
Macaroni affected with Weevils.—A complaint was made
that some macaroni bought in a shop in the Borough showed,
when placed into water, that it was infected with reddish
structures which appeared to be worms or insects.
When placed into water and allowed to stand, it was found
that several minute weevils made their appearance on the surface
of the water.
They were specimens of the grain weevil, Balandra granaria,
which were no doubt contained in the flour from which the macaroni
was manufactured.