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This analysis shows in average fat content of cream—this fat, of course, being the delectable,
nutritionally important and desirable ingredient—that the cream labelled "Devonshire"
is about three times the worth of tinned cream, and the fresh (in cartons) about twice,
the ratios of intrinsic value bulk for bulk being something like 25: 45: 60. This disparity
in intrinsic values in the substance labelled cream is startling, although, of course, the fewness
of the samples does not permit a stressing of the fat content in the classes named. The
methods of manufacture of the finished product are, however, such as would lead to an
enhanced value, as suggested by the samples.
Eight informal samples of articles, such as cream pastries, declared to contain cream,
were purchased, and four were certified to be genuine. A formal sample which was taken
in connection with an informal purchase previously reported against, was found to be genuine;
whilst in two instances it was not possible to obtain formal samples, as the sale of the article
had been discontinued. One formal sample, taken in respect of an informal sample which
had been reported against, was the subject of legal proceedings. The case was part heard and
adjourned pending the result of a High Court appeal in a similar case. The proceedings
were still outstanding at the close of the year.
Ice Cream.—Five samples were submitted for analysis and none were reported against.
The samples were found to contain butter fat in amounts varying from 11.02 to 15.05 per cent.
Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food) Regulations.—All samples of food taken were
examined for the detection of food preservatives, and only in two classes of food, sausages
and crystallised fruit, were the Regulations contravened. Fifty-eight samples of sausages
were procured, and six of these were reported against as containing the permitted preservative
without declaration, but in no case was the maximum amount allowed by the Regulations,
viz., 450 parts per million, exceeded. The attention of the vendor was drawn to the
breach in each case. In three instances, the printing of the statutory declaration on the
label on the sausages did not conform to the requirements of the Regulations, and the attention
of the vendors was drawn to the matter.
In the case of the sample of crystallised fruit, which was certified as containing 40 parts
per million excess of Sulphur Dioxide, a formal sample had not been taken at the close of
the year and could not, therefore, be included in this Report.
Self-raising Flour.—It is well known that a considerable amount of lead sometimes
exists to the extent of several hundred parts per million in imported calcium phosphate,
which is used for various purposes. Such low-grade calcium phosphate, if converted into
acid calcium phosphate, and sold for the purpose of being used as an acidium constituent of
self-raising flour, would contribute an undesirable amount of lead to the finished product.
It was felt to be necessary that enquiries should be made and samples of various baking
materials procured for analysis within the City of London area, with a view to ascertaining
the nature and purity of the articles employed. Accordingly, eight samples of self-raising
flour and four samples of baking powder were purchased informally from different retail
tradesmen. In addition, all the City bakers were visited, and they readily gave every assistance
in these enquiries as to the aerating powders, baking powders and bread improvers
used in their businesses. Ten samples of baking powder, six of aerating powder, four of
bread improvers and three of cream of tartar were taken, a total of 35 samples. In only
one case was calcium acid phosphate found to have been used in the preparation of the
article, and it is satisfactory to report that all of the samples were certified as genuine and
with a lead content only ranging from none to 12.5 parts per million.
EXAMINATION OF MILK.
Chemical.—Of the 206 samples of milk, all of which were procured formally, 13 were
certified as adulterated, giving a percentage of milk adulteration of 6.3, as compared with
4.1 for 1929.
There were seven prosecutions and penalties were imposed in five cases. One summons
was dismissed and another was dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act on payment
of costs. In those instances where samples were reported against and the circumstances
did not warrant legal proceedings being instituted, the vendors were either cautioned or
further samples taken which proved genuine.