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(c) Instances where (apart from analysis) the requirements as to labelling or declaration
of preserved cream in Article V. (1) and the proviso in Article V. (2) of the regulations have
not been observed.
Nil.
(d) Particulars of each case in which the regulations have not been complied with, and
action taken.
Nil.
THICKENING SUBSTANCES.—Any evidence of their addition to cream or preserved
cream. Action taken where found.
None.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS, IF ANY.
ARSENIC IN COCOA.
In May last enquiries were made into the following circumstances. Information
was received from the Medical Officer of Health of an outlying area to the
effect that a sample of cocoa purchased in that area had been proved to contain
arsenic to the extent of 1 /80 of a grain per lb. and that such cocoa was stated to
have been obtained from a wholesale firm carrying on business in the City. It
was learned that the wholesaler in question obtained his supplies from two manufacturers—one
in Liverpool and one in Holland. A sample from each of these
sources was examined and both were reported as free from arsenic. A portion of the
sample returned by the retailer for purposes of identification was also examined
and found to contain 0.009 grains of arsenic per lb.
These facts were reported to the Medical Officer of Health who first acquainted
me of the circumstances, and, I understand, he arranged for the destruction of the
remainder of the affected parcel in his area.
TINNED SPINACH.
A consignment of greened spinach, packed in quart and half gallon tins,
arrived in London in May from Holland. Samples were examined and found to
contain copper and tin as follows:—
Copper calculated as Crystallized
Per Cent.
Copper Sulphate.
Grains per lb.
Tin.
Per Cent.
Grains per lb.
Quart Sample .069 4.85 .03 2.10
Half-gallon Sample .078 5.46 .044 3.08
The sale of the consignment for human consumption was prohibited and a
request that it should be re-exported was refused. The consignment was ultimately
destroyed.
PROTECTION OF BREAD.
A valuable suggestion was made during the year by one of the Metropolitan
Borough Councils. In their area the practice of the exchange of unused bread for
fresh bread had so developed as to give rise to some anxiety on the part of the
Public Health Committee, as to the possibility of this practice contributing to the
spread of infection. The following resolution was, therefore, passed and forwarded
to the Ministry of Health and sanitary authorities throughout the country
"That the Government be requested to introduce a Bill to make illegal the practice
common among the vendors of bread of accepting from customers unused bread in exchange
for fresh, this Council being of opinion that such practice provides a means of spreading
contagion and infection and, in consequence, is prejudicial to the health of the community."
The practice referred to is one which I am of opinion should be prevented so
far as is possible, although I fear that any practical means of prevention are difficult
to devise or, when devised, to enforce.
The protection of bread also received attention in another Metropolitan
Borough, the Council of which made representations to the Ministry of Health in
favour of legislation or the making of regulations requiring that persons selling
bread for human consumption should enclose the bread in a suitable hygienic
wrapper or similar covering.
With this view also I agree, although again recognising the difficulty of framing
regulations which are likely to attain the end desired.
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