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135
ARSENIC IN BEER.
In November last, notification was received from a medical man that
an illness had come under his treatment, the symptoms of which suggested
arsenical poison. The patient had been drinking "more than usual,"
and had favoured a particular kind of beer known as "Four Ale,"
obtained from certain public-houses in his district. The diagnosis of
arsenical poisoning was strengthened by the fact that traces of this
material were found in his hair.
Samples of the ale in question were purchased at the public-houses
implicated and submitted to the Public Analyst, who reported that they
contained a trace of Arsenic less than 1/100 grain per gallon.
The Royal Commission in their Report* definitely stated that it was
not desirable to fix any standard of Arsenic permissible in beers, as
"allowance has to be made for the possibility of other small quantities
"of Arsenic being received at the same time from more than one source
"of food and drink, and suspectible people have to be considered."
It is, however, generally understood that while it may be possible to
produce beers absolutely "Arsenic-free," that the majority, when brewed
mainly from malt and hops, will contain minute traces, which will, however,
be below the amount likely to produce any harmful effects.
In two cases the brewers of the samples were identified; in the third
case they could only be assumed, as the public-house was "free,"
and obtained its supplies from various sources. The several makers
were at once communicated with, and were found to be fully alive to the
importance of taking the utmost precautions. All the details of their
processes of manufacture, and the systems of safeguarding the public by
the constant examination of all materials as well as the finished article,
were explained by the chemical experts advising the brewer in each case.
From careful consideration it would seem that no steps are omitted to
render the beer practically "Arsenic-free," and that, unless possible in
the case of very susceptible persons, no real danger can arise.
Further samples will be taken from time to time in order to check the
value of the above system.
ALIENS AND THE SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS.
Attention should be called to the fact that, under certain circumstances,
aliens who are convicted of offences for which imprisonment can be inflicted
without the option of a fine, are liable to be deported under the Aliens Act.
The following are the provisions of the above Acts showing what offences
under these statutes render those committing them liable to imprisonment
without the option of a fine:—
Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, Sections 3 and 4.
"3.— No person shall mix, colour, stain or powder, or order,
"or permit any other person to mix, colour, stain or powder, any article
* Final Report of the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into arsenical poisoning from the consumption
of beer and other articles of food or drink, dated 6th November, 1903.