View report page

70
effect on the foods themselves, especially as regards their vitamin contents,
as well as on consumers.
Tinned Fruit.—Nine samples were examined. One (pears) contained
2.1 grains of tin. The tins were apparently several years old and the
owner destroyed the rest of his stock.
Sausages, Brawn and Meat Pies.—104 sausages of various kinds were
examined, 86 contained no preservative. In 14 the amount was slight;
proceedings were taken in 4 cases, pork sausages 23.8 grains boric acid
—dismissed on warranty, breakfast or luncheon sausages 17.5 grains, 21
grains, 22.4 grains—£1 1s. costs, £3 and £3 fines respectively.
The five samples of brawn contained no preservative.
Of meat pies of various kinds 57 samples were taken, and 44 found free
from preservative. Proceedings were taken in one instance as it contained
21 grains boric acid. The vendor was not fined but ordered to pay
£5 5s. costs.
Meat and Fish Pastes.—Of 72 samples, 56 contained no preservative.
Proceedings were taken in three instances. In the case of a chicken and
ham paste containing 18.2 grains of boric acid, the summons was withdrawn
on the promise of the manufacturers to discontinue its use or to
put a proper notice on the tins and on payment of £5 5s. costs.
A summons for having 13.3 grains in a salmon and shrimp paste was
withdrawn as analysis of the third portion did not reveal any boric acid.
A summons was issued in respect of bloater paste which contained
only 4.2 grains, because there was a statement on the label that it was
guaranteed free from preservatives. A representative of the manufacturers
stated that their bloater paste was made from bloaters, anchovies,
American bacon, margarine and cereals and that no boric acid was added
as no preservative was necessary. It is probable that the boric acid found
was contained in the bacon used. The case was settled on payment of
£10 10s. costs.
Potted Shrimps.—Two samples contained 31.3 and 93.8 grains per 1b.
The vendors were fined £2 and £5 respectively.
Caviare.—Information was received that Russian caviare containing
formalin was being imported into this country, chiefly from one
firm in Paris, who sent it direct in many instances to hotels and restaurants.
An unofficial sample was obtained and was certified to contain 21 grains
of boric acid per lb. and 7.5 parts of formaldehyde per 100,000. The
attention of the Ministry was drawn to the matter and samples were
obtained at Dover and Folkestone. All contained formalin in a high