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87
the samples of Chicago brawn were filthy, containing
bits of straw, wood-fibre, hair, hogs bristles, and dirt,
giving one the idea that in the anxiety to waste nothing
even the floor sweepings had been added to the tins. In
56 % of the samples small quantities of boric acid were
found, obviously a quite unnecessary addition, for other
samples were absolutely free from boric acid or other
preservative.
The list includes a number of bottled tomato ketchup,
in one of these, derived apparently from the United States,
benzoic acid to the extent of more than 20 grains to the
lb. was detected. In another sample benzoic acid was also
detected, but the quantity has not yet been ascertained.
Benzoic, salicylic, boric acids are all antiseptics, and there
are grounds for believing that their use interferes with
healthy digestion. Our intestines are not constructed on a
plan which necessitates daily disinfection. The extensive
use of small quantities of chemicals, foreign to our natural
food and to the body, may well be one of the causes of the
numerous cases of indigestion so constantly met with.
The trader in canned and bottled goods in buying
stock has to depend greatly on the representations of
the manufacturer, and his only safety at present lies in
some form of guarantee that no antiseptic has been added.
The Public Health Committee have expressed their
intention of putting the law in force against the vendors
of canned and bottled goods, if such goods are found to
contain any injurious chemicals for the purpose of preservation.
This statement may therefore be taken as a
note of warning. Traders in the Borough should examine
any old stocks of canned and bottled goods, and should
they be ascertained to be doctored in any way it will
be wise to destroy the same.
The newer consignments from the States and elsewhere
appear to be fairly free from adulteration, evidently
the revelations as to the method of manufacture has produced
in the case of certain firms much needed reformation.