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101
Analysts' Annual Report.
of the 18 samples of this article submitted, whilst analysis of the
remaining two samples proved that Tartaric Acid had been employed.
Of the six informal samples of Mincemeat examined, one
was found to contain Salicylic Acid as a preservative.
All four informal samples of Raisins were found to contain
Sulphur Di-oxide, but the amount of this preservative present
could not be considered injurious.
During the late period of the year, the Ministry of Health
drew attention to the fact that Arsenic had been discovered on
certain imported Apples. As a consequence, 12 samples, six
formal and six informal, were procured for analysis and it is disconcerting
to note that in only two cases was the fruit found to
be free from this contamination.
Arsenic finds its way into the apples as a consequence of
spraying the fruit, to protect it against the ravishes of the Codling
Moth. This practice is carried out in this country before the
fruit is formed, but in America, a second spraying is said to be
made when the fruit is in an advanced state of development,
and should there be lack of rain between the time of this spraying
and the harvesting of the apples, a portion of the insecticide
remains on the surface, especially around the calyx and stalk.
In no case did we find more than 1-100 grain Arsenic per
pound of Apples, but the public would be well advised to wash
all imported Apples thoroughly before using them as food.
It will be seen that the adulteration during the year amounted
to 3-6 per cent, in the case of Formal samples examined, 2-8 per
cent, in Informal samples and 3-2 per cent, in all samples submitted.
We have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servants,
A. H. M. MUTER, F.I.C.,
Public Analyst.
CHARLES A. HACKMAN, F.I.C.,
Additional Public Analyst.