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63
Milk.
Of the 199 samples analysed one was found to be adulterated. This is only
the second case of a milk found to be adulterated since May, 1934.
The average composition of the milk examined during 1937 as well as that for
the two years preceding was as follows:—
Year. Sp. Gr. Total Solids. Fat. Solids not Fat.
1935 1031.0 12.07 3.47 8.60
1936 1031.3 12.29 3.60 8.69
1937 1031.5 12.36 3.62 8.74
Cream.
During the year 21 loose creams were taken. The amount of fat varied from
31.6% to 50.3%, the average being 43.05%. The tinned creams numbered 23,
and their fats ranged between a minimum of 19.25% to a maximum of 25.0%, giving
an average of 22.88%. An interesting point about two of the tinned creams was
that a small amount of tin was present in each. Although the quantity found in
each of these instances was very small, it may be that larger amounts might be
found in creams kept unsold for long periods and possibly under conditions tending
to be more favourable for the mutual action between the metal and the constituents
of the cream. As no doubt tinned cream is often used as a convenient substitute
for loose cream when the latter is recommended by the medical attendant for sick
or ailing children or other invalids, it is quite conceivable that on occasions a delicate
constitution might react very unfavourably to the tin so introduced. In order to
check the possibility of tin being present in either large or small amount in any
sample to be examined during the year 1938, tin will be specifically tested for in
each sample.
Butter.
During the year 281 samples were taken. Of these none was found to be
adulterated, but of the six samples of bread and butter taken, the butter on two
of these was found to consist of margarine fats only.
Drugs.
All the samples examined conformed to the standard laid down for them in
the British Pharmacopoeia."
ARTIFICIAL CREAM ACT, 1929.
Under this Act the Council are required to keep a register of all premises where
artificial cream is manufactured, sold or exposed or kept for sale for human consumption.
At the end of the year four premises appeared on the register, and in
no instance was action under the Act called for.
PUBLIC HEALTH (CONDENSED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1923 and 1927.
During the year 26 samples of condensed milk were examined and all were
found to comply with the regulations.
PUBLIC HEALTH (DRIED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1923 and 1927.
No samples of dried milk were taken during 1937.
PUBLIC HEALTH (PRESERVATIVES, ETC., IN FOOD) REGULATIONS,
1925 to 1927.
The public analyst devotes special attention to investigations for the detection
of the presence of preservatives in food. During the year it was not found necessary
to take any action under the provisions relating to this matter.