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course of delivery, was, upon analysis, found to be separated milk, the
Inspector also being informed, subsequent to his taking the sample,
that it was separated milk, suggesting that the Board should consider
the question of the desirability of issuing a leaflet to farmers and
others concerned, pointing out the advisability of churns containing
■separated milk being so labelled.
The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, in reply, pointed out that
when a sample of milk is taken on delivery under the Food and Drugs
Acts, the material point is not as to the label, if any, on the churn, but
as to what is the nature of the contract in pursuance of which the milk
is delivered, and suggesting that, in view of this fact, it is doubtful if
.the labelling of churns in the manner suggested would, so far as samples
thus taken are concerned, assist either the farmer or the Inspector of
the Local Authority, and adding that nearly all the separated milk sent
into London is received not from farmers but from factories.
The City Council informed the Board they are still of opinion
that were churns containing separated milk so labelled, it would be
a means of saving the sampling officer's time and also the expense
incidental to the taking and analysing of such samples.
Cream.—Thirty-nine samples of cream were taken, and in 38
instances it was found to contain boric acid. No proceedings were
taken when the amount did not exceed the limit (17 J grains per lb.)
laid down in the report of the Departmental Committee on the Use of
Preservatives, &c., in Food. Twelve prosecutions were taken for amounts
varying from 22 89 grains to 53'053 grains per lb., with the result
that in six instances warranties were proved, and in one the summons
was dismissed. In this ease one of the City Analysts, Mr. Cassal,
reported the presence of 23-548 grains; the portion left with the
vendor was analysed by Mr. Stokes, who stated that he found a
much smaller amount, and the third portion was sent to Somerset
House, who gave a result higher than that of Mr. Stokes, but under
the 17^ grains limit. It appears that there are several methods
•employed by analysts for the determination of boric acid, but none of
them give the total amount of the acid in milk, although they may do
so when the acid is dissolved in pure water. When other substances
are present, the actual amount discoverable varies considerably with
the method adopted. That usually employed by analysts, and which is
understood to be the process adopted by the Government Analysts, does
not show the total acid present, but when carefully carried out, gives a
fairly constant return. Usually analysts check it by making three estimations.
Mr. Cassal has devised a method whereby a larger quantity of
boric acid can be recovered than by any other method, but from the
published description it appears to involve a considerable number of