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was 9.9 per cent. The figure for the whole country was 7'9 per cent.
during the year 1903.
9.8 per cent. of the milk samples were unsatisfactory, as against
9.1 per cent. during the preceding year. 19 per cent. of the samples
of milk taken on Sundays were adulterated. There were three convictions
obtained for selling margarine contrary to the provisions of
the Act.
According to the thirty-third Annual Report of the Local Government
Board, the total number of samples analysed under the Sale of
Food and Drugs Act during the official year 1903, shows an increase of
5,756 samples over the figures of the previous year. In spite of this
further activity on the part of the authorities the return showed a
smaller percentage of adulterated samples than in the previous year.
In London, one sample was analysed for every 233 persons, being at
the rate of 4.3 per 1,000 of the population : and in the provinces, one
for every 478 of the population, or 2.1 per 1,000. It will be seen from
the Table on page 59 that the proportion of samples reported against
was 7.9 per cent. of those examined, a rate of adulteration which is less
than one-half of that which prevailed in the five years 1877-81.
In 1902 8.7 per cent. of the total samples analysed proved to be
adulterated, while in 1903 the percentage adulterated was 7.9. There
was, however, an increase in the amount of adulterated samples of
cocoa, and but a slight diminution in the samples of adulterated milk
(10.4 per cent.). London is at the head of the list again as regards
the extent of adulteration of milk, the result showing 13.5 per
cent. of samples condemned as against 10.7 per cent. in provincial
towns and 8.5 per cent. in the country. There is little doubt that the
adulteration of milk does not take place to any large extent in the
country, and the inference is that the water is generally added in
London. It is satisfactory to know that the fines imposed show an
increase in individual cases, though still, in many instances, the amounts
inflicted are not calculated to check adulteration as effectually as larger
sums would do.