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47
SUPERVISION OF FOOD AND DRUGS.
During the year 1936, 1,019 samples of food and drugs were submitted to the Public
Analyst for examination, 763 of which were taken as informal or test samples without the
formalities of the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, being observed. Ten of these
informal samples were reported against, as follows :—
Samples.
2 Canned Fish 16
1 Meat 42
1 Canned Meat 4
1 Sausages 38
1 Spices and Herbs 45
1 Camphorated Oil 11
1 Mercury Ointment 2
1 Zinc Ointment 6
1 Spirit of Sal Volatile 1
10

The above-mentioned samples, with the exception of milk, were taken as the result
of informal samples having been reported against.
General Observation.—The percentage rate of adulteration of all food and drugs sampled
in the City was 2 .6, the same percentage rate as in 1935.
Butter, Cream and Cheese.—None of the 66 samples of these articles of dairy produce
was reported against.
Sausages.—Only one of the 38 samples of sausages was reported against. This sample
was found to contain sulphur dioxide, the only permitted preservative, but no declaration
of its presence was made by the vendor, who was cautioned and his attention called to the
requirements of the Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food) Regulations.
Canned Goods.—Two samples of sardines, procured from different vendors, were found
to contain 33 and 43 parts of lead per million. In each case investigation showed them to
be old stock, and the small amount unsold was surrendered for destruction.
Spirits.—None of the 33 samples of spirits was found to be below the legal limit of
35 degrees under proof.
Drugs.—Of the 86 samples of drugs obtained, six were found not to conform to the
requirements of the British Pharmacopoeia. Legal proceedings were taken in two cases
(where informal samples had been reported against previously), when fines were imposed
with costs. Two formal samples, taken in connection with informal samples which had
been certified not genuine, were found satisfactory.
examination of milk.
Chemical.—Of the 220 samples of milk, all of which were taken formally, 14 were certified
to be below the legal limits which presume adulteration, equal to a percentage figure of 6.3,
as compared with 2.7 in 1935. Three samples were found to contain extraneous water,
its presence being confirmed by the Hortvet or Freezing Point test. Legal proceedings
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