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157
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
'The analyst reports on his examination as follows:—
'The method of procedure with each can consisted in
opening and completely removing the contents, which,
after being pulped and thoroughly mixed were examined
for preservatives and metallic contamination, and in all
likely cases aniline dye or other added colouring matter.
The preservatives searched for were (1) Boric acid and
borax, (2) Sulphites, (3) Formaldehyde, (4) Salicylic and
(5) Benzoic Acids. The condition of the interior of the
can was also noted together with the manner in which
the soldering had been effected, i.e., whether soldered
internally or externally.
'With regard to the results obtained, it will be seen
that in every sample the contents of the can were sound
and in no case were preservatives or added colouring
matter detected.
'Evidence of dirt or other extraneous matter was
carefully looked for, but in every instance the samples
were in this respect satisfactory.
'In only three cases, namely, A, G and N, did the
amount of metallic contamination by tin reach "heavy
traces." In the remainder it was entirely absent or
present only "in traces," and as such could scarcely be
regarded as dangerous to health.' "