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Spices.—Of the 42 samples of spices submitted for analysis, five were reported against,
three being with regard to ground cinnamon, and two rubbed thyme. One prosecution
was taken with reference to ground cinnamon, when the warranty defence was successfully
pleaded and the summons dismissed. Owing to the vendor having had the article in stock
for more than six months from the time the warranty was given until the sample was taken,
it was not possible to institute proceedings against the wholesalers for having given a false
warranty. Legal action was also taken with regard to a sample of rubbed thyme, which
was certified to contain extraneous mineral matter to the extent of 11.5%, with the result
that the vendor was fined £1, with £3 3s. 0d. costs.
Sausages.—Thirty-five samples of sausages were taken, two of which did not comply
with the requirements relating to preservatives. On re-sampling, they were found to be
genuine.
Drugs.—Of the 113 samples of drugs taken, six were reported against as not complying
with the requirements of the British Pharmacopoeia, or not in conformity with the formulas
on the containers. In two instances the formula, which contained an error, was immediately
rectified on the attention of the manufacturers being called to the matter. In connection
with two other samples, the manufacturers were successfully summoned, and with regard
to one sample procured informally, a formal sample had not been taken at the close of the
year.
Spirits.—Thirty-nine samples of spirits were purchased formally and, with the exception
of two samples of rum, found to be genuine or above the standard of 35 degrees under proof.
Successful prosecutions ensued in the two instances.
EXAMINATION OF MILK.
Chemical.—Of the 222 samples of milk, all of which were taken formally, 16 were
certified to be below the standards which presume adulteration, giving a percentage figure
of 7.2, as compared with 5.8 for 1931. In connection with six of the samples reported against,
where the figures of analysis did not justify legal proceedings, further samples were taken
which proved to be genuine ; in another case the consignor ceased business. It was found
necessary to take legal action against six vendors or consignors with reference to nine of
the samples reported against, when penalties were imposed in two instances, the summonses
dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act, with costs, in two others, and in the remaining
two cases the summonses were dismissed, the magistrates being of opinion that the milk
supplied was as delivered by the cow. In this connection, I submit that the position with
regard to the law is extremely unsatisfactory, in that there is no absolute or legal standard
of genuineness for milk. The Sale of Milk Regulations of 1901 provide that milk containing
less than 3% of milk-fat, or less than 8.5% of milk solids other than milk-fat, is to be presumed
not to be genuine until the contrary is proved. The onus of proof is thus placed upon
the defence in a prosecution. It must be admitted that individual cows on occasion give
milk below the figures mentioned, but it should not be possible for persons to take advantage
of this position and be indifferent to their methods of dairying. It can reasonably be contended
that this is extremely unfair to the farmer who takes every means to ensure that
his milk supply is in accordance with the standard and who usually obtains the same price
for his product as the farmer who produces quantity without quality. It is true to say
that, provided cows are suitably fed and milked at regular intervals, the butter-fat content
cannot be altered appreciably. Fortunately, the majority of farmers produce milk well above
the presumptive standard figure.