View report page

79
The warranty defence was pleaded successfully in three cases; no
summonses were dismissed for any other reason.
Butter.
142 samples were analysed, of which 3 or 2.1 per cent. were returned
as adulterated.
H 9 (informal). Contained T4 per cent. of excess water. Subsequent
sample was genuine.
M 55 (informal). Contained 12.4 per cent. of excess water. Subsequent
sample was genuine.
L 53 (informal). Contained 45 per cent. of margarine. Subsequent
sample was genuine.
The only preservative detected in butter samples was boric acid. The
amount was estimated in each case. The results are shown in Table K, and
compared with the corresponding figures for 1920 and 1921.

In a previous report I suggested that vendors of preserved butter should
be required to affix a label to each package similar to that required in the sale
of preserved cream and stating the nature and amount of the preservative,
with a notification that the article is unsuitable for infants and invalids.
Alternatively I suggested that the proportion of boric acid allowed, might well
be reduced from 0 5 per cent. to 0.25 per cent. Of the samples examined in
1922, 95 per cent. would pass if such a reduced standard were enforced.
There is little question that boric acid may be injurous to infants and certain
invalids, and under certain conditions to women. Further, I consider that
the addition of chemical substances to food-stuffs by men without any medical
or scientific knowledge, should be strongly discouraged.