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SUPERVISION OF FOOD AND DRUGS.
During the year under review, 1,012 samples of Food and Drugs were submitted to the
Public Analyst for examination. Of this number, 749 were taken as informal or test samples,
without the formalities of the Act being observed. Seventeen of these informal samples
were reported against, as follows:—
4 of Cakes (containing cream), out of 13 samples.
4 of Sausages, out of 55.
2 of Vinegar, out of 21.
2 of Medicated Tablets, out of 5.
1 of Butter (on bread), out of 19.
1 of Crushed Linseed, out of 5.
1 of Sulphur Ointment, out of 5.
1 of Tincture of Iodine, out of 2.
1 of Crystallised Fruit, out of 10.
Of the formal samples, 23 out of 263 were reported against, as follows:—
13 of Milk, out of 206 samples.
2 of Butter (on bread), out of 2.
2 of Sausages, out of 3.
1 of Rum, out of 10.
1 of Whisky, out of 13.
1 of Crushed Linseed, out of 1.
1 of Medicated Tablets, out of 1.
1 of Cakes (containing cream), out of 2.
1 of Vinegar, out of 2.
The above-mentioned samples, with the exception of Milk, Rum and Whisky, were
taken as the result of informal samples having been reported against.
General Observations.—The percentage rate of adulteration of all foods and drugs
sampled in the City was 3.9, as compared with 3.8 in 1929.
Butter.—All of the 23 samples of butter taken were certified to be genuine. The butter
factories were visited at various times and samples taken from the packing tables and from
bulk awaiting dispatch.
Twenty-one samples of butter spread on bread or scone, or served with rolls, were purchased
for analysis, of which three samples were reported against, one being an informal
sample and two formal samples. There were two prosecutions relating to such purchases, one
sample containing 25 per cent. of fat not derived from milk, whilst the other was certified
to be 100 per cent. margarine. In each case the vendor was fined £2 and £2 2s. 0d. costs.
Drugs.—Of the 132 samples procured, seven were reported against. With reference to
two informal samples, where the deficiencies of the essential ingredients were found to be
small in amount, the formal samples taken in connection with them proved to be genuine.
One vendor was prosecuted where the article sold was found not to comply with the requirements
of the British Pharmacopoeia, and legal proceedings were also successfully taken
against the vendor and the manufacturers of an article sold which was deficient in the amounts
of ingredients stated on the container.
Spirits.—Twenty-nine samples of spirits were taken. Two of these were certified to
be below the minimum strength of 35 degrees under proof, and legal proceedings were taken
against the vendors. One case was dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act on
payment of costs, and in the other instance a penalty was imposed with costs.
Cream.—None of the 11 samples of cream sold in tins or cartons was reported against.