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225
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
Although adulterations are seldom reported under this heading
it shows the necessity of occasional sampling.
Meats.
It will be seen from Table CIII. that a very high percentage
of adulteration was detected under this heading, the adulteration
consisting entirely of the addition of a boron preservative, in one
case amounting to as much as 55 grains per pound of sausage.
In five cases proceedings were taken against the vendors,
and convictions obtained.
It seems to be the general practice among certain sausage
makers to use this boron preservative indiscriminately, and usually
by means of a dredger.
It is argued from a trade point of view that the addition of a
small amount of preservative is absolutely imperative in the
manufacture of sausages. Assuming this to be so then the purchaser
should be notified of the addition, the amount added
should also be stated.
Drugs.
19 samples of drugs were taken during the year, and all
proved genuine.
Tinned Foods.
Eight samples were taken and in six of these, or 75 per cent.,
it was reponed that there was present a small proportion of tin
varying from .25 to .95 grains per pound. As the amount was
small it was decided by the Public Health Committee not to take
proceedings against the vendors.
Q