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Bacteriological Examination of Milk.—With a view to testing the purity of
milk from the bacteriological point of view, 5 samples were taken and submitted
to Dr. Foulerton, the Council's Bacteriologist, for examination.
In each case in which a result not entirely satisfactory was obtained communications
were sent to the Local Authority of the district in which the milk was
produced in order that an investigation might be carried out locally. On all
occasions the greatest willingness to co-operate was shown by the officers of these
authorities, and it is safe to claim that definite improvements have followed the
taking of action on these lines.
In addition to these samples, 70 of "Certified" milk were taken and submitted
to Dr. Foulerton for examination. The reports were, in accordance with the
usual arrangement, forwarded to the Ministry of Health, but with regard to them
it may be stated, generally, that the results were satisfactory. Of 4 Grade A
Tuberculin Tested samples all were in compliance with the standard. Of 66
samples of Certified milk, 14 failed in one way or another to comply, 5, in addition
to containing over the standard number of bacteria, showing the presence of
Bacillus Coli. The remaining 9, though complying with the bacterial standard,
showed Bacillus Coli to be present.
Dairies, Cowsheds and Milkshops Orders.—Frequent inspections of cowsheds and
milk premises were made with the object of discovering whether or not the
requirements of the regulations as to cleanliness, etc., under these orders, were
being complied with. In no case was it necessary to take action.
Milk and Cream Regulations.—The following is a copy of the return required
by the Ministry of Health with regard to proceedings under the Public Health (Milk
and Cream) Regulations. These regulations absolutely forbid the addition of
preservatives to milk, and so far as can be gathered from the reports of the Public
Analyst, the prohibition is loyally obeyed.
PUBLIC HEALTH (MILK AND CREAM) REGULATIONS, 1912 & 1917.

Nature of preservative in each case in column (b), and action taken under the
regulations in regard to it. Nil.