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examined with the view of ascertaining the presence of preservatives and
should report at once to the Council concerned the facts as to samples
which proved on analysis to contain an added preservative. It is further
suggested that proceedings should be taken in all cases where such a
preservative is found. Also it is suggested that when the presence of a
preservative is declared the condition of such preserved milk should be
carefully examined. As regards formalin and boron preservatives, the
Board is advised that the presence in milk of formalin to an amount
which is ascertained by examination within three days of collecting the
sample to exceed 1 part in 40,000 raises a strong presumption that the
article has been rendered injurious to health and that the purchaser has
been prejudiced in the sense conveyed in Section 6 of the Sale of Food
and Drugs Act. A similar presumption is raised where boron preservatives
are found in milk to an amount exceeding 57 parts of boric acid per
100,000 parts of milk. The despatch of this circular to the authorities
administering the Sale of Food and Drugs Act looks as though the Local
Government Board at last means to codify the recommendations of the
Departmental Committee on Preservatives and Colouring Matter in Food
which reported so long ago as 1901. We have long urged for an official
recognition of the findings of this commitee."
Warranties under Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, 1875 to 1899.
It was reported to the Public Health and Housing Committee that a
summons taken against the vendor of a sample of milk deficient in solids
not fat to the extent of 7.4 per cent. was dismissed on production of a
warranty from the wholesale dealer. The question of proceeding against
the latter for giving a false warranty was considered, but in view of
difficulties in securing convictions in such cases, no prosecution was
instituted, but a letter of caution was addressed to the wholesale vendor.
The Committee directed that the circumstances should be reported to the
Local Government Board and Board of Agriculture.
The Southwark Borough Council convened a Conference of representatives
of Metropolitan Borough Councils, on the subject of milk
warranties, produced in defence in proceedings under the Sale of Food
and Drugs Acts. The Conference was held at the Town Hall, Walworth
Road, on Wednesday, 30th May, at 3 o'clock, and Councillors J. H. West
and W. J. Purdy, with the Medical Officer of Health were appointed
delegates.
The following are the resolutions passed at the Conference of
Representatives of the Metropolitan Borough Councils as to Milk
Warranties :—