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to contain boric acid. The defendants stated that the boron compound
was used on the paper labels attached to the cheese to prevent the growth
of moulds. The Magistrate dismissed the summons under the Probation
of Offenders Act on payment of £3 3s. 0d. costs.
Confectionery.—Thirty-seven samples of various sweets and fancy
cakes were purchased. In one case, a cream gateau, the analyst reported
the cream to consist of fats other than butter fats. No action was taken
in this case.
Drugs.—Of the 35 drugs of various kinds obtained during 1937, 34
were found to be satisfactory. The remaining sample, sulphur lozenges,
was found to be 50 per cent, deficient in sulphur. The manufacturers and
purveyors were both communicated with.
Fruits (Preserved).—Pifty-four samples of tinned, crystallized, dried,
etc., fruits were purchased for analysis. A box of dates submitted to the
analyst was found to be infested with maggots. The remainder of the
stock in the purveyor's possession was surrendered and destroyed.
Sausages.—Two samples of sausages were found to contain preservative
although when sold the sausages bore no label to that effect. The
summons against one vendor was dismissed under the Probation of
Offenders Act on payment of £1 10s. 0d. costs. The action against the
second vendor was adjourned sine die.
Vinegar.—Of the 34 samples of vinegar examined two samples of wine
vinegar were found to be deficient in acetic acid. In one case the deficiency
was due to selling the soured wine before the acetification of the alcohol
was completed.
The purveyor of the second sample, an Orleans Vinegar, 17.5 per cent.
deficient in acetic acid, was fined 10s.
During 1936, a half-pint of "Table Vinegar" was purchased at a fried
fish shop in the City. The liquid was served from a barrel which bore
the words "Table Vinegar (non-brewed)." The public analyst certified
that the sample contained 100 per cent. of artificial vinegar. Legal
proceedings were authorized by the Council and the case was heard
before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Sir Rollo Graham-Campbell
at Bow Street.
The case developed into what might be regarded as a test case, Counsel
appearing for both sides.
(7638) H 2