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103
and mentioned the names of other chemists who held the same opinion. The
accuracy of the apparatus was also criticised. The Magistrate, however,
accepted my evidence and decided that the milk had been watered, but as
the case was rather a strange one, he discharged the defendant under the
Probation of Offenders Act and imposed increased costs. There is, of course,
more than one magistrate attending the Thames Police Court, but up to the
present time the evidence of definite watering which the freezing point determination
provides has always been accepted.
The freezing point determination is not accurate when milk is sour, so
that the vendor must have the " second part " which he holds analysed at
once if he wishes to check the Public Analyst's figures.
In order that the vendor may be aware of this necessity, the Medical
Officer of Health has circularised all milk purveyors in the Borough to the
effect that the Council may rely in milk prosecutions under the Food and
Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, upon the Hortvet freezing test, in addition
to chemical analysis and advising them of the necessity of submitting their
portions for examination by their analyst immediately after the samples
are taken.
Samples B 651, B 670, B 671. These samples were taken from the
same vendor. B 651 showed the presence of at least 5.3 per cent. of added
water by the Hortvet test. This was followed up by sample B 670, which
was taken on delivery. Inspector Brown and his assistant then concealed
themselves in a shed until the vendor arrived and took the churns into his
premises. A little later sample B 671 was taken in the premises. As far
as the analysis was concerned, both samples satisfied the requirements of the
Regulations, but the difference in composition showed that water had been
added. The vendor was summoned for adding water to milk and for selling
milk containing added water. After giving the composition of the sample,
my certificate stated : "As compared with sample B 670 (solids-not-fat
8.70 per cent. and freezing point -0.542° C.), the said sample, which has a
freezing point of -0.528° C., contains 2.6 per cent. of added water." Evidence
was given at the Court with regard to the freezing point determination. The
vendor was fined £5 with £3 3s. Od. costs for adding water to milk, the other
summons was " Not dealt with."