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102
That preservatives were only present 12 times in 491 samples is
evidence that in the vast majority of cases neither the farmers or the
retailers have found any difficulty in disposing of their milk without
the use of so-called preservatives.
Separated Milk.—in one instance 62.09 grains of boracic acid per
gallon were found, and a conviction was obtained.
Cream.—In 25 instances boracic acid was detected, the amounts were
a few grains in 8 samples, and varied from 14.95 to 53.56 grains per
pound in 17 samples, the average of these being 36 grains. Three
prosecutions took place, and convictions followed in 2 cases; in the
third, the magistrate held that a sufficient disclosure had been made on
the label, and this prevented further action being taken with regard to
other samples.
Ice Creams.—5 samples were found to contain boracic acid, derived
probably from milk; the amounts were all small, varying from 1 or 2
grains to 8.53 per pound.
Butter and Margarine.—In 80 of the 227 samples of butter, and in
all of the 23 samples of margarine, boracic acid was present. This drug
is evidently taking the place of salt to a certain extent.
Condensed. Milk.—10 of the 53 condensed milks were reported to be
adulterated, but sufficient legal disclosure was made on the tins to
prevent prosecution, although the protection to the public is extremely
slight. Most of these were condensed skimmed-milks, quite unsuitable
for infant nurture,
Spirits.—The adulteration in these cases was the addition of water.
The whisky, gin, or rum asked for by the purchaser may have been, and
in a number of cases undoubtedly was, an article made up from potato
spirit flavoured with various chemicals, but, apparently, the manufacturers
and sellers of such cannot at present be brought under the Food
and Drugs Acts.
Tinned Vegetables.—Copper was found in a number of these, but
action in regard to them was not taken until after the end of the year,
when successful prosecutions took place.
The following is a list of the prosecutions, most of which were
conducted by the Chief Sanitary Inspector, Mr. Strutt:—