View report page

103
Departmental Committee has reported in favour of the establishment
of standards and definitions for foods, action will be taken by Parliment
so that difficulties of this kind can be settled by the Central'
Authority after due investigation. The difficulties this year have been
in relation to Sardines and to Tomatoes. Sardines were found to
contain quite substantial amounts of lead, which were subsequently
found to be due to lead coated grids used in the cooking process. For
a time, it was almost impossible to obtain Sardines free from this
rather serious form of contamination, but fortunately the difficulty
has now been overcome. Some of those examined were found to
contain as much as 30 parts per million of lead, and this figure was
exceeded in certain other districts. In the cases of Tomatoes—mainly
in the form of Tomato Puree—the contamination has been copper
which has been found in amounts varying from unimportant traces up
to about 70 parts per million. This arises from the evaporation or
processing of the Puree in copper pans. Copper is not so dangerous
a poison as is lead, and its effect is reputed to be non.cumulative, but
even so, there can be no doubt that such large quantities of copper are
wholly undesirable and ought not to be tolerated. It was found,,
unfortunately, that the contamination was very wide.spread, but
happily it is being remedied.
I have had occasion during the year to investigate the composition
of Fish Pastes, and have collected my results in a separate publication,
of which copies will be sent shortly. It is interesting to note the frequency
with which farinaceous fillers are present, and the fact that
there is no limit or Regulation governing this in this country, although
many other countries have thought it necessary so to protect the consumer
by limiting Regulations. No doubt this subject will receive
the attention of the Authorities when the Standards advocated by the
Departmental Committee are considered.
The total number of samples adulterated or deficient during the
year is 25, which corresponds to 49 per cent, of those examined. It
should be added in fairness to the others that it also corresponds to.
95.1 being genuine.
I have the honour to remain,
Your obedient Servant,
H. E. COX,
Borough Analyst,