View report page

144
below that of the preceding year, when it was 8.3 per cent. The
figure for the whole country was 8.4 per cent. during the year
1912, and that for London for the same year was 8.8.
12.3 per cent. of the 73 Milk samples were unsatisfactory, as
against 13.6 per cent. during the preceding year; but in some cases
the deficiency below the legal limits was very slight. The percentage
of adulteration of milk for the whole country daring
1913 was about 11.
In London the percentage of Milk samples reported against
was about 10 during 1913, as compared with 9.3 during 1912.
It should be added that many of the samples purchased were
below the quality of the average milk supply of London, although
they were a trifle above the low legal limits which have been fixed.
Thus during the year several Milk samples furnished evidence
of the practice of "toning down," many of the samples containing
fat and non-fatty matter very near to the low legal limits.
Most of the samples purchased under the Sale of Food and
Drugs Acts have been obtained through the employment of a
deputy, for the Sanitary Inspectors are well known to tradesmen
and others.
All the samples of Milk, Butter, Cream and Margarine were
tested for antiseptics, with the result that 1 of the samples of
Milk, 2 of Cream, 6 of Margarine, and 24 of Butter were found
to contain them. In no case was the amount sufficient to warrant
a prosecution, and in each case boric acid was found; but in one
or two instances the vendors were cautioned.
All but one of the 31 Butter samples taken throughout the
year were found to be satisfactory. With the exception of small
amounts of boric acid, I have not succeeded, in the limited number
of samples with which I have had to deal, in discovering anything
to take exception to.