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46
Food and Drugs Act.
3. 508 samples were taken and submitted to the Public
Analyst, and 21 or 4.1 per cent. were found adulterated. In
1901 the percentage of adulterations was 5.5. Proceedings
were taken in all cases, 18 being for milk, 2 for butter, and 1
for vinegar. Convictions were obtained in 18 cases, 1 was
withdrawn on proof of warranty, and 2 were adjourned. Of
the 18 milk adulterations, 13 were "fat abstracted" (from 10
to 33 per cent.), 3 "added water" (from 10 to 16 per cent.),
and 2 " boracic acid added" (120 and 160 grains per gallon
respectively).
The highest penalty was £10 and 12/6 costs for 33 per cent,
fat abstracted; other penalties varied from 10/- to £3, and
costs from 12/6 to £5 5s. (see Table X.).
4. The Eeport of the Royal Commission on Food Preservatives,
recommending that no preservatives should be used in
milk, has strengthened the hands of Health Authorities in
trying to put a stop to this injurious practice, which is
antagonistic to all efforts made to obtain absolutely clean milk.
27 samples of milk were examined by the Public Analyst for
the presence of Boric Acid; this was found in three, viz.,
12 grains per gallon in one, 120 grains in another, aud 160
grains in a third; successful prosecutions were instituted for
the two latter (see above).
Food Inspection.
5. The special inspection of the market and principal shops
on Friday and Saturday and other times for unsound food was
continued. Inspector Barnes having resigned, Inspector
Mackie now performs this duty.