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observed that there does not appear to be any generally expressed
desire that such standards should be fixed.
With regard to the sale of dried milk, the Board state they are of
opinion that it might be held that such milk is "condensed milk," in
which case it would be included in Section 4 of the Sale of Food and
Drugs Act, 1899.
Golden Syrup.—One sample sold as "Refined syrup" contained at
least 80 per cent. of starch glucose syrup. On account of the label
affixed proceedings could not be taken, but the facts of the ease were
forwarded to the Local Government Board, with a suggestion that they
should consider the desirability of fixing a standard for this and other
articles.
Olive Oil.—One sample contained twenty parts of cotton seed oil and
sixty parts of Arachis oil, the analysis being confirmed by Somerset
House. The other adulterated sample consisted entirely of sesame oil,
but the vendor got off on the strength of a foreign warranty.
Rice.—It having been reported to the Public Health Committee
that rice was treated with a mixture of talc, glycerine, and wax, the
Committee ordered 27 samples to be taken. On examination 11 of
these were found to contain an excess of insoluble mineral matter in
crystallised form. In order to give rice a glossy white appearance,
some importers have it polished by shaking it up with certain powders;
by this means some of the outer part of the rice grain is removed and
some of the powder adheres. The City Analysts are still investigating
the subject, and meanwhile, in view of the possible danger to health
from consuming these minute insoluble crystals, the Council has issued
a notice to traders on the subject. It is also understood that barley is
similarly treated.
Lime Juice.—The adulteration referred to in 5 of the 8 samples
taken was the addition of salicylic acid, varying in amount per pint
from 0.656 to 2.97 grains.
Tinned or Bottled Peas.—Forty-nine samples were taken, and
12 were reported as free from any addition, while in 32 the amount
of copper sulphate did not exceed 2 grains per pound, in most instances
being below 1 grain. In the remaining 5 cases the amount varied from
2.34 to 3.04.
Tinned or Bottled Spinach.—Out of 16 samples taken, all were
found to contain sulphate of copper in proportions varying from 1.38 to
7.59 grains per pound. It is evident that if the smaller amount produces
the effect desired, the larger must have been largely in excess. The