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Colouring matters used in food products.—In view of the Regulations issued by the
Ministry of Health it was considered desirable to submit certain samples of colouring matters
for analysis. A number of dyes, principally used by butchers and confectioners, were accordingly
procured with a view to ascertaining to what extent, if any, these dyes were arsenically
contaminated.
Armenian Bole was formerly fairly extensively used. This is a mineral matter of reddish
colour, containing amongst other constituents red oxide of iron. The first sample of Armenian
Bole was purchased in the neighbourhood of Smithfield and found to contain 800 parts per
million of arsenious oxide. Another sample contained 40 parts, whereas two others contained
none. The first of these two samples also contained zinc to the extent of 5.76 per
cent. Steps were immediately taken to ensure that no further supplies from the two contaminated
sources were sold for food purposes. Sausages, anchovy preparations, and cheap
chocolates are the principal articles in which Armenian Bole is used, and, formally, also
burnt almonds and potted meats.
In addition, samples were taken of Rose Pink, Bismarck Brown, Indian Red and a poloney
dye, but no poisonous metals were found in any of these. Six samples of cheap sausages,
six of anchovy paste, four of anchovy essence, five of caramel, four of cheap chocolates, three
of burnt almonds and two of potted meats were examined, but none was found to contain
poisonous metals.
SUPERVISED AND REGISTERED PREMISES.
Wholesale Dealers in Margarine and Margarine Cheese.—No new application for registration
was received during the year.
Ice Cream.—The premises and vehicles used for the manufacture or sale of Ice Cream
within the City were inspected during the year and found to be generally satisfactory.
In ten instances defects of a minor character were discovered and a caution secured
the necessary improvements immediately.
There was a marked increase in the number of retailers who received supplies of ice
cream daily as required from their own factories or from reputable wholesale firms.
The sale of wrapped portions of ice cream has extended among the itinerant vendors.
This is a much more desirable method of retailing the commodity than that by which it is
exposed to dust contamination.
DAIRIES, COWSHEDS AND MILKSHOPS ORDERS, 1885, 1886 & 1899,
AND
THE MILK AND DAIRIES (AMENDMENT) ACT, 1922.
Fourteen new applications for registration as retail purveyors of milk were received
and investigated during the year. All of these were eventually approved.
In two instances, where alterations or improvements to the premises were outstanding
at the end of 1924, suitable arrangements were made, after which the names of the retailers
were transferred to the new register.
At two premises extensive alterations were rendered necessary in consequence of increase
of business. These were satisfactorily carried out.
Registration Statistics.
Number of Retail Purveyors of Milk on the Register at end of 1924 339
New Applications for Registration received 14
Applications granted 14
Applications refused
Names of Retailers transferred to new Register 2
Names of Retailers removed from the Register 15
Number of Retail Purveyors of Milk on the Register at the end of 1925 340
Number of Milksellers (other than Retail Purveyors of Milk) on the Register at the
end of 1925 Nil.
Licenses issued under the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923 4
Inspection of Premises where Milk is Retailed.—During the year 1925, 348 inspections
were made in connection with the supervision of the sale of milk. These included routine
inspections and visits to supervise various improvements and alterations found to be necessary
during the initial enquires made under the Milk and Dairies (Amendment) Act during
1923.
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