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27
APPENDIX
Report of the Public Analyst (C. Harcourt Wordsworth, B.Sc.,
F.R.I.C.S) for the year ended 31st December, 1958.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Paddington.
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
During the year 1958, six hundred samples were purchased by
your Inspectors for examination under the provisions of the Food
and Drugs Act, 1955, twenty being taken formally and five hundred
and eighty informally. A total of twenty-nine samples were reported
as being either adulterated, irregular or abnormal.

Nine of the samples of milk examined were found not to conform
with the presumptive standards of composition for genuine
milk but in each case the Hortvet Freezing Point showed that water
had not been added and the samples were reported as abnormal.
A sample of baking powder was shown to be deficient in carbon
dioxide. The composition of this product is governed by a Food
Standard and the efficacy of the article depends on the amount of
carbon dioxide released when the powder is moistened. Samples
packed in cardboard or paper frequently lose strength.
A tin of Zinc and Castor Oil Cream was found to contain an
excess of zinc oxide which was probably caused by poor mixing.
A sample of orangeade was found to have a faulty label in that
no trade mark or maker's name and address was disclosed. Two
other soft drinks were submitted in connection with a complaint
and although one was found to have an unpleasant smell nothing
toxic was found in either.
During the year some consignments of foreign apples were
found to have been imported into this country containing residues
from toxic sprays. Two samples submitted were found to contain
excessive amounts of lead and arsenic and it was suggested that the
fruit should be scrubbed before being eaten to remove all visible
traces of spray residue.
A sample of butter received following a complaint was found to
contain a slight excess of water but was otherwise normal.