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48
Examination
of samples.

Milk samples. The total number of milk samples examined during the year in the central
laboratory was 614. Of this number 459 were of milk supplied to children in the
elementary schools, whilst 148 were from supplies to general, special and mental
hospitals and public assistance institutions, under contracts which require a minimum
of 3.25 per cent. of fat and 8.5 per cent. of other solids, except during the months
of March and April, when the fat must not be less than 3 per cent. The quality of
the supplies, generally, has been more satisfactory than in some recent years, only
slightly over 1 per cent. being deficient in fat, and approximately 1.5 per cent.
containing added water, 2.6 per cent. of the total thus being below the chemical
standard required. The corresponding figures for the past three years were 2.4,
7.1 and 12.0 per cent. in 1931, 1930 and 1929, respectively.
Of the 9 samples reported as containing added water, 6 were found on analysis
to give direct results showing the addition of water, notwithstanding the presence
of the full amount of non-fatty solids required by the contract.
The condition of the supplies in respect of extraneous matter, however, was
again less satisfactory: for of the 614 samples examined, 56 (about 9 per cent.)
were found to contain an excessive amount. In all these cases the results were
communicated to the chief officer of supplies, who was thus enabled to take up the
matter with the contractor.