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Public Analyst
25-
Mr. George Taylor F.R.I.C., 20, Eastcheap, London, E.C.3. and.
Dr. J.H. Hamence, F.R.I.C., 20, Eastcheap, London, E.C.J, continued as
joint Public Analysts for the area.
Samples Subnitted for Analysis
One hundred and nineteen samples of foods and drugs were submitted
for analysis, twenty-seven formal and ninety-two informal and it
will be seen by the following table that a reasonably wide field was covered
The Public Analysts were consulted from time to time as to interpretation of
analytical results and generally with regard to the type of samples submitted.
The table shows that in seven instances samples were adversely reported
upon and in one case proceedings were instituted as to the mouldy condition
of meat patties.
Of the seventeen samples of sausages analysed one informal sample was
certified to be 4.6 deficient in meat content. A follow-up formal sample
was taken which proved to be genuine.
One.informal sample of dried mixed herbs was certified to contain sand
highly in excess of that ordinarily found in that product, indicating that
the herbs had been insufficiently cleaned. A formal sample from the same
source gave a genuine result.
One sample of medicated mint tablets was analysed following a complaint
made to the office. The Public Analyst reported that the tablets had a
calcium carbonate base and as the mints were described as "medicated" the
use of this base was justified, but this active constituent was not stated
on the label. The matter was taken up with the manufacturers who expressed
surpise that these mints were still being sold as it was more than two years
since the manufacture was discontinued.
One local trader sought advice of the Department with regard to a small
stock of red cherries in sugar syrup and on the sample being submitted for
analysis the Analyst certified that the sulphur dioxide preparation in the
cherries was breaking down yielding sulphur compounds, thu3 producing discolouration
of the cherries and tin. In view of this objectionable condition
the Analyst recommended that the cherries should not be used for
human consumption and the trader was notified accordingly.
One informal sample of malt extract with cod-liver oil, which was unused
owing to the presence of what appeared to be a compacted mould growth, was
procured from an Essex County Council Clinic. Microscopic examination by
the Public Analyst, however, showed that the top layer consisted not of
mould growth but of a crystallised mass produced by drying out of the
preparation. The oil in the sample was not rancid but having regard to
the obvious effect of storage of the contents the Analyst reported that it
was no longer suitable for this particular purpose. The stocks were
subsequently withdrawn.