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MALT VINEGAR.
This was an informal sample of malt vinegar upon which the Public Analyst
reported as containing only of acetic acid, whereas it should have
contained not less than l+%> It appeared that the article had suffered in
quality as the result of prolonged storage. The retailer voluntarily surrendered
the whole of his remaining stock of this vinegar, and it was destroyed.
CASTER SUGAR.
A sugar encrusted cigarette end was found in a 1-lb. carton of caster
sugar and was the subject of a complaint. The sugar and the cigarette end
were examined by the Public Analyst, and legal proceedings were instituted
agajnst the refiners. After a lengthy Hearing the case against the Defendants
was dismissed.
LEMON DRINK.
A gallon jar of lemon drink prepared from whole fruit was the subject of
a complaint. The Public Analyst reported that it was fermenting but that it
was not unfit for human consumption. The drink contained benzoic acid as a
preservative in an amount slightly less than the maximum permitted by Preservatives
Regulations, and although fit for human consumption it was not of the
usual quality demanded. As the result of correspondence with the manufacturers,
steps were taken by them to prevent a recurrence.
MEDICINE.
As the result of a complaint, a bottle of medicine which was dispensed by
a local Chemist upon a Doctor's prescription, was sent to the Public Analyst.
It was alleged that the medicine contained particles of glass, but upon
examination the relatively large needle like crystals present were due to
extensive decomposition of the mixture. This, in turn, was due either to
deterioration of the ingredients or to the fact that a stock solution of one
of the ingredients kept in the dispensary was not freshly prepared.
The facts were reported to the Health Committee, and a warning letter was
sent to the Chemist concerned.
MILK.
A partially filled 1-pint bottle of milk was sent to the Public Analyst for
examination following a complaint of the presence of stains on the inside surface
of the bottle. These stains were found to consist of a dried-up residue of milk
discoloured by dust and dirt. The milk was normal in composition and no foreign
matter in solution was found. The Dairy concerned undertook to take steps to
prevent a recurrence of this incident.
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