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Dyed Milk .—Of the milks examined during 1908. 51.5
per cent, were artificially coloured, compared with 66.4 per cent,
in 1907 and 77.4 in 1906. From these figures it would appear
that the practice of colouring milk with various colouring
matters to suit the demands of the public is slowly decreasing
in this Borough.
Annatto is the material most commonly used, but aniline
dyes are not infrequently reverted to.
Sunday Samples.—Seven samples of milk were obtained
on Sundays, two of which (Nos. 111 and 252) were below
standard.
Average Composition.—The average composition of all
samples of milk submitted during 1908 was well above the
standard, with 3.50 per cent. Milk Fat and 8.80 per cent. Solids
Not Fat. The average composition of the genuine samples
alone was 3.58 per cent. of Milk Fat and 8.81 per cent. Solids
Not Fat. (See Table E).
Milk Samples taken in course of Delivery. — Thirtytwo
samples were taken in course of delivery, as follows:—
Park Fever Hospital 17 ; Railway Stations 6 ; Lewisham Union
Infirmary 4; Lewisham Workhouse 1 ; Bermondsey Workhouse
2; Shops 1; Private Dwelling Houses 1. Of these samples
thus obtained four were below standard (Nos. 1, 2, 111 and 252).
In the first three instances the proceedings were instituted
against the consignor, but failed on his proving warranty. In
the fourth case the consignor was cautioned.
BUTTER.—Ninety-three samples were purchased in
conformity with the Food and Drugs Acts, of which number, 6,
or 6.45 per cent, (compared with 7.76 per cent, in 1907) proved
adulterated. In addition, 68 test samples were taken, 6, or 82,
per cent, of which were adulterated.