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not prepared on the present knowledge available to recommend
the complete elimination of the bleaching agents and improvers
now in use. Our view is that in the first instance it should
suffice to limit the use of these substances to those which appear
least open to objection when judged along the lines we have
indicated. We think that chlorine, nitrogen trichloride and
benzoyl peroxide should not be amongst these.
We think that it should be compulsory for the manufacturers of
chemical substances for use either as bleaching agents or
improvers, or both, to declare to their purchasers the nature of
the ingredients of which they are composed, and that millers
should be required to inform their customers whether their flour
has undergone a process of chemical bleaching or improving, or
both, and if so, with what substances and in what proportions.
The Committee hopes that experiments now being made on
the improvement of flour by physical treatment may be successful
so that the use of chemical " improvers " may be superseded.
The obvious comment is that bleaching agents and so-called improvers
are used by the millers solely from the " Commercial Considerations " which
are mentioned in the Report. Flour undoubtedly should be a product of the
milling of wheat without the addition of any foreign substance, and millers are
directing their energies in the wrong direction by intensifying the chemical
treatment of flour.
Fortunately the general public is developing a wise appreciation of food
processes and food values, and bleached and treated white flour will cease to
make a successful appeal. The present day popularity of whole meal bread
is an indication of this advance.
Sausage.
11 samples were examined, and of these 4 were adulterated with an excess
of preservative. Of the remaining 7 samples, 2 were free from preservative,
and 5 contained preservatives in small amount.
H 59 (Informal). Contained 30.1 grains boric acid per pound.
H 61 (Informal). Contained 50.4 grains boric acid per pound.
K 83 (Same Vendor as H 59). Contained 35.0 grains boric acid per
pound.
H 84 (Same Vendor as H 59). Contained 27.3 grains boric acid per
pound. Vendor cautioned.