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105
dards to all articles of food is not made out We are satisfied, however,
that in some cases standards or declarations of composition, or definitions
of some kind are necessary." Thus the Committee feels that foods
specially packed for infants and invalids should bear labels disclosing
their contents, but it does not think that any standards are required for
sweetmeats, unless it is desirable to prohibit the use of certain ingredients.
The question of the amount of extraneous matter, such as arsenic, lead,
tin, or other impurity with which food may become contaminated is, we
feel, to be one that should be treated generally. On the other hand, the
amount of starch to be allowed in shredded suet is a question which
should be reviewed.
It so happens that this year has brought to light to some rather glaring
examples of what, in our opinion, is gross mis-description or adulteration
and it is very much to be regretted that the practice of mis-description
is on the increase. For instance, the selling of confectionery with socalled
"cream" filling made from fats other than milk fat. For many
years past this confectionery was sold under some such description as
"French" or "Vienna" pastry and there could, of course, be no objection
to such nomenclature.
Iodine ointment was omitted from the present issue of the British
Pharmacopoeia and certain manufacturers felt that this afforded them an
excellent opportunity to market a variety of preparations of iodine, some
of which were not only worthless, but potentially dangerous to use.
Some cases arising out of this are still sub judice.
Numerous cases of the selling of artificial vinegar under such misleading
titles as "Pure Wood Table Vinegar " have recently been reported,
but in this City we seem to have been fortunate until now in not encountering
such cases.
The foregoing observations have been made with the desire to indicate
that the type of adulteration moves with the times. It is only by constant
vigilance that local authorities can hope to keep it in check and so
protect the interests of the public and the honest tradesman from unfair
competition. In the report of the Departmental Committee previously
referred to, there is an expression of opinion that it should be legally
enacted that, for the purpose of evidence as to nature, substance and
quality, advertisements should be deemed part of the package label and
that, regarding pre-packed articles, the invoice and label should be
equivalent to a warranty.