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Milk and Cream Regulations, 1912.—In all cases the Public
Analysts examine milk and cream for preservatives. A list is appended
in the form asked for by the Board:—

(1) Milk.—No preservatives were found in the samples of milk
examined.
(2) Cream.—In May last, the President of the Local Government
Board announced that as the evidence at present available as to the
influence on health of the addition of small quantities of preservatives
to cream is to some extent contradictory, he had decided, therefore, to
nominate a small expert committee to investigate afresh the question.
Pending the completion of this investigation, which should not be prolonged,
he expressed the opinion that it is inadvisable that local
authorities should institute proceedings except in cases where the amount
of boric acid in the cream exceeds the amount declared on the label or
where the amount so declared is clearly excessive.
The outbreak of war has apparently led to the postponement of the
formation of this committee.
In seventy.six samples of cream—not sold as preserved cream—25
contained preservative (boric acid), varying from 1 grain up to 50 4
grains per pound, 4 only being over 22 grains. (See Table.) Explanations
were asked, and 11 cautionary letters were sent to the vendors of
cream which contained small quantities of boric acid.
Two samples were taken for test purposes—one contained 7 grains
of boric acid, the other 17.5 grains per lb.
Police Court proceedings under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts
were instituted in 11 instances, and 9 convictions obtained; one was
adjourned pending the result of an inquiry promised by the Local
Government Board, and in one case a warranty was proved. One
prosecution was taken under the Milk and Cream Regulations, and a
fine of 20s. and 2s. costs was imposed.
2. Preserved Cream.—(a) 79 samples were taken, 11 contained no
preservative and 67 had less than the amount stated on the label. 48