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127
The returns for the City show slight decrease during 1903 in the proportion
of adulterated articles, but if the samples of "Bread and Butter," which were
taken for the first time in 1903, are eliminated, the percentage of adulteration
is 7.1.
In connection with these samples, it should be stated that as there was
every reason to believe that a particularly mean fraud was being largely
practised by the proprietors of small eating and coffee houses, a number of
samples of slices of "Bread and Butter" were purchased at these places and
sent to the Public Analyst.
In all, 71 such samples were dealt with, and, as was anticipated, in a heavy
proportion it was found that margarine had been substituted for butter.
This was the case in no less than 19, or 26.76 percent., of them. Summonses
were issued in five cases, and in each instance a conviction was obtained. In
five other cases, however, the summons was dismissed, either on the
technical ground that the sample was improperly divided, or, as to the form
of the Public Analyst's Certificate. In the remaining cases, therefore, the
summonses were withdrawn and the vendors cautioned.
As a result of these proceedings, the "London Coffee Restaurant and
Dining Room Keepers' Trade Protection Society" issued the following
circular letter to its Members:—
"IMPORTANT NOTICE TO THE TRADE.
"FOOD AND DRUGS AND MARGARINE ACTS.
"Dear Sir,
"At a Special Sitting of the Executive Committee of the above
"Society held on Thursday, 21st May, 1903,
"It was unanimously resolved :
"'That in consequence of the numerous prosecutions which have recently
"'been instituted and convictions obtained by the Corporation of the City of
"'London and the Borough Councils' Inspectors, for offences under the Food
"'and Drugs and Margarine Acts, more particularly in respect to selling
"'Margarine on Slices of Bread when Butter is demanded, the Committee
"'desire to point out the absolute necessity for Butter being supplied when
"'asked for by the purchaser.'
"They also wish to draw your special attention to Clause 20 in the
"Rules of the Society, wherein it distinctly states :—
"'That the Funds of the Society shall not be used in defending any
"'Member who shall knowingly act in contravention of the Law;'
"and further, that this Rule will be strictly adhered to.
"For the information of Members, the Committee submit herewith
"a copy of a 'Form' of warranty to be part of the invoice, together
"with signature of the vendor placed thereon as a guarantee that