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321
[1913
percentages. They must be considered with the test sampling work, however, and
their inclusion will give an amended total of 684 samples.
The several foods examined were as follows:—
Milk.—As in previous years, the milk samples have been obtained for the
most part from dairies and milkshops, and more particularly from those vendors
whom we have reason to regard with suspicion.
A number of samples were also procured from the customers of certain
vendors, and in two cases, as already stated, convictions were obtained against
vendors thus discovered to be engaged in fraudulent practices, while in another
prosecution, the knowledge gained by informal testing enabled us to break down a
defence of warranty.
During the year 184 samples were tested, of which number 14, or 7-6 per cent,
were found to be adulterated, not including those samples adulterated to an extent
of less than 4 per cent.
Margarine.—Of the 192 samples examined, 172 were found to be sold in
conformity with the Act, while 20, or 10.4 per cent, were delivered to the purchaser
in an unstamped wrapper, and were accordingly classed as adulterated.
Coffee.—Fifty-eight samples of coffee were tested, of which number, 37 were
found to be genuine; 14 were sold either with a verbal declaration, or enclosed in
a package bearing an inscription to the effect that the contents were sold as an
admixture of Coffee and Chicory, or more frequently Chicory and Coffee, and 7 or
12 per cent, were adulterated.
Demerara Sugar.—42 samples were tested, 24 of which were genuine,
15 were sold in wrappers having the words "Yellow Crystals," or with a verbal
declaration to that effect, while 3 or 7.1 per cent, were adulterated.
Butter—The major portion of the Butter Samples were purchased from those
shopkeepers against whom there had been previous convictions. 142 samples were
tested, 98 being genuine, and 44 or 30.98 per cent, adulterated. This high rate of
adulteration is explained by the fact that repetition samples and samples purchased
by children have been included.
The samples purchased with the assistance of the Inspectors of the Board of
Agriculture for Ireland have not been included with the above.
Spirits (Gin).—12 samples were tested as to strength, n were found to be
genuine, and 1 or 8 3 per cent, adulterated.
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