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92
proportion of chicory as 72 per cent. is excessive and not
in conformity with ordinary custom in the trade.
Three coffee and chicory extracts were found to be
genuine. In two cases, since it was said that the price of
each was very low, it was considered advisable to extend
the analysis with a view to determining not only the
presence of some extract of coffee, but also the proportion
of coffee to chicory used in their manufacture. The results
were satisfactory, inasmuch as the proportions of coffee to
chicory indicated were approximately 8 to 10 in the one
case and 10 to 12 in the other.
Farinaceous Foods.
A sample of barley was genuine, but one of rice contained
0.08 per cent, of extraneous mineral matter having the
characters of talc, this being evidence of the practice of
"facing." The amount found was, however, well below
the limit of 0.5 per cent. recommended in Dr. Hamill's
report to the Local Government Board, so that no action
was taken.
A sample labelled "Extra Creamy Custard" bore on
the tin, in small print, the words "Not prepared with
eggs" and had the composition of the article usually sold
as custard powder, that is to say, it consisted of starch
coloured and flavoured. My report called attention to the
deceptive character of the label.
Condiments, Spices, &c.
Falling under this heading are ten specimens of olive
oil, four of malt vinegar, eight of table vinegar, four of
pepper, two of mustard, two of ground spice and five of
sauce.
Of the last-named three were mint sauce, two of which
were sold with labels claiming that they were prepared with