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once took steps to withdraw from sale all stocks of proprietary gelatine
manufactured by them before the 1st September, 1936. The firm explained
that through an oversight certain consignments had left their works without
having been submitted to the usual chemical analysis.
Potted Meats and Meat Pies.—Thirty-nine samples of potted meats
and meat pies were purchased during the year for analysis and it is
satisfactory to note that only one was found to be adulterated. This
was a sample of ham and tongue paste which contained 45 parts of
sulphur dioxide per million, whereas under the Public Health (Preservatives,
etc., in Food) Regulations, 1925-27, meat paste should not contain
any preservative. The vendor's attention was called to the result of
the analysis.
Spirits.—One sample of whisky proved on analysis to be 36.15
degrees under proof, instead of the legal standard of 35 degrees under
proof. The vendor's attention was called to the result of the analysis.
Another sample of whisky was found to be 46.5 degrees under proof.
Proceedings were instituted and the vendor fined £3 and £3 3s. costs.
Vinegar.—A sample of vinegar labelled "Table Vinegar (non-brewed)"
was found on analysis to consist entirely of artificial vinegar. The result
of the analysis was communicated to the manufacturers, who were requested
to label their vinegar in such a manner as would indicate to the purchaser
that it consisted entirely of artificial vinegar. The matter was taken
up on behalf of the manufacturer by the Association of Pure Vinegar
Manufacturers, who stated they were unable to advise their members to
discontinue the use of the label to which exception had been taken.
A further sample of vinegar similarly labelled "Table Vinegar (nonbrewed)"
was subsequently purchased, and on being found on analysis
to consist entirely of artificial vinegar, legal proceedings were instituted.
The hearing of the summons, however, did not come before the
Magistrate during the year under review.
Observations by the Public Analysts.
During the-year under review certain samples have presented points
of interest which are worth noting.
Gelatine.—Two samples of gelatine were found to contain excessive
quantities of arsenic. Gelatine is largely made from scraps from the
tanning industry and the raw hides employed for this purpose may be