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Potted Meat.—In 38 samples of potted meats 7 were found to
contain preservative to the amount of 17.35, 1190, 8 54, 7, 5, 2.6, 1
grains per pound respectively, and 1 contained a trace of boric acid.
Fish.—Twenty-two samples of fish (fresh, filletted,cured and tinned)
were examined. Three samples of herrings in tomatoes were found to
contain 1.4, and 1/6 grains tin per lb. respectively. Two samples of
sardines in tomatoes contained 2/6 and 9/10 grain tin per lb. respectively.
One sample salmon and anchovy paste contained 16.11 grains of boric
acid per lb. Four samples of filletted fish were found to have been
artificially coloured.
It will be remembered that the Fishmongers Company were last
year invited to consider steps being taken to discourage the practice of
artificially colouring fish, and the reply was to the effect that after
consideration the Company came to the conclusion that no other dye
than annatto (vegetable) dye should be allowed to be used for colouring
fish, and that they had accordingly placed themselves in communication
with all the known curers in Hull, Grimsby and Aberdeen informing
them that annatto vegetable dye was only to be used.
A family were taken ill after eating sardines preserved with
tomatoes. A special report was submitted embodying the results of
bacteriological and chemical examination of part of the contents of the
tin which had been left over. It was found to contain 2 1/5 grains of tin
per lb. Seventeen other boxes in the possession of the vendor were
given up and destroyed. In consequence, a number of samples of
canned articles with tomatoes were taken, with the results stated above.
Tinned Vegetables.—Thirty-seven samples were taken, during the
year 1912, of tinned vegetables, with the results set out as follows:—
18 Peas 9 genuine; 9 contained copper sulphate :—2.7, 2 .4,1.7,
1.7, 1.6, 1.6, l.5, 1.4 and 1/3 grains per lb.,
respectively.
8 Spinach 5 genuine; 3 contained tin:—1.2, .7 and 35 grains
per lb., respectively; the last sample also contained
10.2 grains of iron per lb. in excess of the amount of
iron normally present in spinach. This last was
included in some stock taken over by the vendor,
and as there was a doubt that he intended it for
sale, he was let off with a caution.
6 Beans 4 genuine; 2 contained copper sulphate :—3.6and 1.24
grains per lb., respectively.
2 Champignons Genuine.
3 Mixed Vegetables. 2 genuine; 1 contained f grain copper sulphate
per lb.
Tinned Fruit.—Of the seventeen samples taken during the year,
four .contained tin to the amount of 1.6, 1.5, 8 and .5 grains per lb.
respectively.