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85
Vinegar.—Seventeen samples were taken, and one only was found
to be adulterated.
Ginger Beer.—Twenty-two samples of draught ginger beer were
taken. In most cases the samples were drawn direct from a wooden
barrel, through a wooden tap. Five samples were drawn through pipes
by means of engines; one of these contained 0 62 grains lead per pint, to
the vendor of which a letter of caution was sent. Cases have been
reported in which lead poisoning has resulted from drinking ginger
beer and other beverages. It would be an advantage if vendors were
prohibited using any pipes, taps, &c., made of material liable to be
acted upon by liquids so that deleterious compounds are formed.
Cocoa.—This sample contained 25 per cent, of foreign starch; but
being labelled " Chocolate Powder " no action was taken.
Sugar.—Of three samples of Demerara sugar, one consisted of sugar
crystals with an organic colouring; and of two samples of yellow crystals,
one was artificially coloured.
Legal Proceedings Under the Food and Drugs Acts
during 1912.
No. of Date of : offence Reault
Sample. Hearing.
1 2 3 4
1912. MILK.
17 N. 8th Feb. 20 per cent, of fat abstracted .. Fined £5, including costs.
Previous prosecutions.
14 N. 8th Feb. 10 per cent, of fat abstracted Warranty proved. Summons
dismissed.
11 N. 8th Feb. 5 per cent, of added water Warranty proved. Summons
dismissed.
13 N. 20th Feb. 11 per cent, of fat abstracted Fined £5 and £2 2s. costs.
The defendant endeavoured to rely on a warranty, but did not comply with the
statutory requirements with regard to the notice.
30 S. 21st Feb. 30 per cent, of added water Warranty proved. Summons
dismissed.
71 S. 6th Mar. 51 per cent, of fat abstracted Fined £10 and 12s. 6d. costs.
Previous convictions.
37 S. 6th Mar.13 5 per cent, of added water Fined 20s. and 12s. 6d. costs.
76 S. 13th Mar. 18 per cent, of fat abstracted Fined 40s. and 12 s. 6d. costs.
81 N. 8th Mar. 32 per cent, of added water. 9 per Summons withdrawn.
cent., of fat abstracted
The defendant's employe was prosecuted for watering his master's milk and sentenced
to two months' imprisonment.
141 N. 19th Mar. 10 per cent, of added water Warranty proved. Summons
dismissed.
181 N. 2nd April 12 per cent, of fat abstracted Warranty proved. Summons
dismissed.
Previous prosecution 17.5.1906. 16 per cent, fat abstracted. Warranty proved.