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The results are typical of the milk supply in the Metropolitan area and
show that a satisfactory standard, considerably above the minimum of the
Sale of Milk Regulations, 1901, has been maintained in Woolwich.
In connection with the experimental work carried out in this laboratory
during 1935 on the application of certain methods of analysis to heated milks,
six further samples of 'hot milk' were taken from various cafes, etc., during
this year. Two of these were found to be deficient in fat, to the extent of
10 and 37 per cent., respectively; prosecutions were taken against the vendors
concerned, and after a warning, each of the cases was dismissed under the
Probation of Offenders Act on payment of £5 5s. Od. costs.
Of 20 samples of canned sild and brisling, seven were contaminated with
excessive amounts of tin, derived apparently from imperfect canning and
over-long storing. Where an excess of tin was detected in a sample, further
samples were taken from the same consignment, and where contamination was
confirmed in other cans also, the consignment was surrendered by the vendor
and destroyed. The Local Authority acting for the district in which the
wholesalers or importers were situated was also informed, so that further
supplies of the same brand might be examined at the source.
Ten samples of canned sardines, in addition to the samples of sild, etc.,
were also examined for lead, but no further instance occurred of the contamination
by this metal which was detected in the previous year. Eight samples
of canned prunes, imported from Australia, all of the same brand, were found
to be contaminated with tin. The wholesalers surrendered the whole consignment
and it was destroyed.
It may be said here that the attitude of the wholesalers concerned has
been entirely helpful to the administration. In the case of the Barbadoes
Raw Sugar it was at their suggestion that samples from a shipment which
had been condemned elsewhere were taken and analysed. These were found
to contain an excessive amount of tin and sulphur dioxide and, as with the
other articles the consignment was voluntarily surrendered for destruction.
It is believed that the excessive amounts of tin which have been found from
time to time in brown sugar, are derived from a special process of manufacture,