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40
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF FOOD.
600 samples were submitted to the Public Analyst during the year,giving
a rate of 13.3 per 1,000 population.
These were as follows:-
Medicines 123; Milk 89; Meat Products 90, Spices etc,. 44;
Fish Products 34, Flour Products 40; Pickles and Sauces 25;
Coffee and Coffee and Chicory 13; Cocoa 5; Tea 10; Soup and
Soup Powder 17; Soft Drinks 10; Cooking Fats 4; Condensed
Milk 14; Margarine 3; Butter 4; Spirits 18; Vinegar 14;
Arrowroot 5; Bread 16; Baking Powder 4; Custard Powder 1;
Gravy Preparations 5; Canned fruit 2; Confectionery 2;
Honey 3; Jam 2; Mincemeat 2.
Of the 89 samples of milk taken 9 were found to contain added
water, one to the extent of 2 per cent, four to the extent of 1 per
cent, and four less than 1 per cent. One sample of milk contained in a
dirty bottle was found to be contaminated by fungus. Legal proceedings
were instituted and the defendant was ordered to pay £10.10.0 costs.
Legal proceedings were taken in respect of a sample of pepper
which was found to contain wheat flour 25 per cent, and lead 50 parts
per million. Warranty was proved by defendant and warrantors were
fined £5 and ordered to pay £5 oosts. On appeal by the warrantors,
the Court of Quarter Sessions was not satisfied that the original
defendant had proved, in accordance with the Statute, that the contravention
was due to the act or default of the Appellants, and allowed
the Appeal.
A pastry which was found to contain a screw was produced by a
complainant. Legal proceedings were instituted and defendant was
fined £7 and ordered to pay £4. 4. 0 costs.
Warning letters were sent to vendors in respect of minor adulterations
and irregularities in chocolate powder, glycerine, lysol,
seidlitz powder, phenacetin tablets, sauce, and catarrh and throat
tablets, and to manufacturers in respect of curry powder, milk powder,
and flour.
UNSOUND FOOD.
During the year 1948, 954 certificates wore issued in respect of
food unfit for human consumption which included the following:-
Bacon, 2 tons 7 lbs; Fish„ 9 cwt.19 lbs; Cereals,flour and flour
products, 11 tons 4 cwt. 2 qrs, 16 lbs., and 583 packets; Beans,peas,
etc. 2 tons,6 cwt. 2 qrs. 14 lbs; Poultry, 15 cwt.22 lbs, and
10 fowls, 79 chickens, 4 turkeys, and 68 poussins; Dried Fruit,11 cwt.
and 319 boxes; Sugar 2 cwt.2 qrs; Meat and offal, 36 lbs; Tomatoes,
171 cases; Cheese, 1 cwt.22 lbs. and 105 boxes Camembert; Biscuits,
39 lbs; Potatoes, 16 tone 15 cwt; Edible Fats (butter, margarine and