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108
In the second case, in which the preparation was made by another
firm, Mr. Mead imposed a penalty of £2, and 2s. costs.
Preserved Fruits.—27 samples of tinned pineapple were purchased,
and 8 of them were found to contain tin in solution. The amounts
were in two instances 2/5 grain, in two 4/5 grain, in two 9/10 grain, 1 grain,
and 1.26 grain per lb., respectively. From the appearance of the
internal surface of the cans the conclusion was arrived at that the pineapple
must have been in them for a considerable period, but as the
amount of tin found present in solution was so small, no proceedings
were taken; but the attention of the vendors was called to the matter,
with the result that the sale of the particular brands was given up.
A report has since been published by the Local Government Board
on this subject. It is recommended that any kind of canned fruits
containing quantities of tin approximating in amount to 2 grains in the
pound should be regarded with grave suspicion, in consequence of the
risk of the irritant action of the tin; and even smaller amounts may
produce minor digestive disturbances. In many instances the presence
of tin may be taken as an indication of age, and it is pointed out that
it may prove a useful test in cases where it is desired to ascertain
whether "glass" packed foods are in reality canned foods which have
been transferred to glass receptacles. The inquiry shows the desirability
of canned foods having the date of canning on each tin.
Cider.—Out of 12 samples of cider, 2 were found to contain salycilic
acid in small amounts, viz., 0.175 grains and 0.315 grains per pint.
Drugs.—Samples were taken of 10 different drugs, and, on the
whole, they were found satisfactory. One sample of Saffron contained
10 per cent. of ash, the B.P. standard being not more than 7 per cent.
Oxymel of Squills was found made with sugar, instead of honey, and
a prosecution resulted.
Quinine Wine was up to the standard in nine instances, but in two
cases an article (St. Baphael wine) was sold which is not the quinine
wine of the Pharmacopoea. Proceedings were taken in one case, but
the case fell through, as the Magistrate was not satisfied that the vendor
had not informed the buyer. He, however, commented adversely on
the methods adopted by the vendor's assistants.
Fluid Magnesia.—Two samples were found deficient in carbonate of
magnesia, one to the extent of 15 per cent., the other to 76 per cent.
This latter was evidently very old stock; proceedings were instituted,
but a technical objection was taken to the certificate, in that it was not
stated thereon that the sample had undergone no change which would
interfere with the analysis.
Particulars of each case are appended:-