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62
SUMMARY.
Number of Number
Samples Analysed. Adulterated.
ist Quarter 280 20
2n ,, 277 23
3rd ,, 265 8
4th ,, 289 18
1,111 69
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ANALYST, 1911.
During the year 1911, no less than 1,111 samples were submitted for analysis;
of these 69 were found to be adulterated and certified accordingly. This shows an
increase on the figures for 1910—in that year 1,068 were analysed, an increase
therefore of 53 samples.
The samples comprise dairy produce, condiments, saccharine substances, alcoholic
drinks, and a good many drugs; but the first, viz., dairy produce account for over
80 per cent. A summary table is appended.
Dairy Produce.
Milk.—Of 547 samples taken, 499 were certified to be genuine, that is to say, they
attained the statutory limit; and it is to be remembered that by a skilful addition of
separated milk to good milk, this limit is easily attained. Nevertheless it is satisfactory
that on comparison with 1910, the "average" composition shows an appreciable
improvement.
Sp.gr. Milk fat. Solids not fat. Total solids.
Average of 1910 1,031 3'63% 8'65% 12'28%
„ 1911 1,031 37% 8'64% 12'34%
Forty-eight of the samples were certified as adulterated; this calculated on the
total milk samples taken works out at 8.7 per cent, as compared with 1910 in which
the percentage was 9.2 per cent.
Hence, taking both facts together, viz., an improvement in the composition and a
decrease in the percentage of adulterated samples—it may be fairly claimed that this
gain to the community is a result of the continual and methodical sampling by the
Council's officers.
A list giving details of each case, and of the convictions, is given elsewhere, from
which it will be seen that the adulteration mainly consisted in abstracting milk fat,
either directly or indirectly.
The worst case was that of a "test" sample, in which it was found that no less
than 73 per cent, of the milk fat was wanting.