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Differentiation between the ortho-acid (salicylic acid) and parahydroxybenzoic
acid in the quantity usually added to foodstuffs is difficult.
The results reported were expressed in terms of hydroxybenzoic acid, the
generic name covering both alternatives. It is hoped that as a result of
research on the part of both Analysts for the City methods will soon be
available which will facilitate differentiation. This work is important
inasmuch as some continental countries permit the use of parahydroxybenzoic
acid, whereas our own laws do not, and it is practically certain
that produce containing it will reach this country.
The condition in which some tinned or bottled foods are sold nowadays
calls for comment. We have this year encountered instances of metallic
contamination and of unsound condition of which the few examples
quoted below may prove of interest:—
A tomato puree was found to contain three and one-third grains of
tin per pound. The can in which it was sold showed distinct signs of
"blowing" and marked corrosion of the metal beneath a partly destroyed
lacquer coating.
A sample of spiced anchovy was certified to be so decomposed as to be
totally unfit for food. A sample of anchovy paste sold in a collapsible tin
tube was found to contain three grains of tin per pound.
Two curious cases of contamination of tinned plums with iron were
encountered. Although iron is not regarded as a poisonous metal, the
amount found in both these samples was sufficient to convey to the fruit
a very disagreeable astringent taste and possibly to render them indigestible.
It is difficult to understand how so much iron could have got into
the fruit, since the only obvious cause might have been careless preparation
in iron vessels. Thus it is possible that if the acid juice from one
boiling were left for a time in the pans and not removed before the next
boiling, an undue amount of iron might be dissolved and find its way into
.the next lot of fruit. One of the cans proved to be slightly "blown"
and the other had a small puncture.
A sample sold as "A tonic in a preserve—selected grape fruit, oranges,
lemons and finest cane sugar" was reported inferior on account of its
being mouldy on receipt.
After so many instances of samples which had to be reported against
it is pleasing to mention one which proved to be better than might have
been expected. This was a sample of wine which was submitted for
analysis upon the complaint of a resident in the City that it caused
intoxication in servants of his household. Since it was wine of good
alcohol content the complaint was not without foundation !