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612
It should be added that many of the other samples purchased
were below the average quality of Milk although they were a
trifle above the low legal limits which have been fixed.
During the year two vendors of Milk were fined-one 10s. and
the other 20s., for the sale of Milk from receptacles not bearing
their names and addresses, in contravention of the requirements
of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts.
All the samples of Milk, Butter and Margarine were tested for
antiseptics, with the result that no sample of Milk, 18 of Butter,
and 12 of the samples of Margarine were found to contain boric
acid. In no case was the amount sufficient to warrant a prosecution;
but in one instance the vendor was cautioned. Antiseptics were
also found in 3 samples of Salmon and Shrimp Paste (boric acid),
6 of Cream (boric acid), 2 of Sausages (boric acid), 2 of Jam (salicylic
acid), 2 of Meat Pastes (boric acid), 1 of Black Currant Cordial
(salicylic acid) and 1 of Cheese (boric acid). Therefore, 47, or
27 per cent. of the total samples purchased contained chemical
preservatives.
Twenty informal samples were taken during the year, and
8 Sunday samples.
Section 8 in conjunction with Section 14 of the Milk and Dairies
(Consolidation) Act of 1915, which came into operation on the
1st September, 1925, enlarges the power of the officers of the local
authority to take samples of Milk, and such samples may under the
Act be taken at any time before the Milk is delivered to the consumer.
Section 9 amends the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs
Acts with regard to the Warranty defence. This will not be available
where the sample in respect of which the proceedings are taken is a
mixture of Milk obtained from more than one seller or consignor.
Power is also given to the local authority of the district in which the
first sample was taken, instead of or in addition to taking proceedings
against the purveyor, to take proceedings against the
seller or consignor.