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127
Milk being an article that can be so readily sophisticated, fraudulent milk
dealers will always exist, and only a rigorous enforcement of the Sale of Food
and Drugs Acts can keep the evil within bounds. The above Table shows
very clearly what can be done in this direction, and if only the offenders were
more heavily punished for their misdeeds, it cannot be doubted that the
quality of the milk sold in the City would be still further improved.
Of three samples purchased at shops in the early morning on Sunday, one
was impoverished by the abstraction of 4 per cent. of fat, and two out of five
samples taken on Sunday evening were adulterated by the addition of water
to the extent of 4 per cent. and 8 per cent. respectively.
Thirty-three samples were taken from perambulating milk sellers both
during the day and in the early morning. Of these, three were adulterated,
and prosecutions ensued in each case. Two of the defendants were fined, and
in one case the summons was dismissed on proof of warranty.
Fifteen samples were taken at the door in course of delivery, and of these
four were adulterated. Three of the sellers were prosecuted, and in each
instance a warranty defence was successful. The fourth case was not proceeded
with, as the Magistrate had taken it into consideration in imposing a
fine of £10 and costs in another one previously heard.
As before noted, milk adulteration in the City has been reduced from 21
per cent. to 7.5 per cent. after four years' active administration of the Acts;
and in this respect the City compares favourably with the rest of the Metropolis,
as shown by the following Table compiled from the last Report of the Local
Government Board:—