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107
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ANALYST
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31st, 1905.
SAMPLES SUBMITTED.—During the period under review
509 samples were submitted for analysis. Of this number,
476 were purchased by your inspectors in conformity with the
provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts. The remaining
33 samples were purchased as test samples, and without declaration
to the vendors.
ADULTERATED SAMPLES.—Of the 476 official samples
submitted, 38, or 7.98 per cent, were adulterated, compared with
9'38 per cent, in the previous year (1904) and 13"53 per cent, in
1903. This diminished percentage of adulterated samples is
highly satisfactory.
TEST SAMPLES.—Of the 33 test samples submitted,
only one, or 3"03 per cent., was adulterated. Samples were
subsequently purchased in official form.
Test samples were taken in several cases as a result of
complaint from householders that the goods they were receiving
were of a suspicious quality. The intention was to obtain a
sample without the formalities of purchase and in a manner
similar to that adopted by the ordinary householder. It is
satisfactory to note that only in one case was an adulterated
sample obtained. This was a sample of butter containing an
excess of water. An official sample subsequently bought from
the same vendor was genuine.