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(3) Niptus Hololeucus, also omnivorous, destructive to provisions, and
not affected by the winter.
All these three beetles are quick breeders, and may have several broods in
the year.
As regards the moth, only one dead larva was found. It appears to be a
meal moth."
It was also stated that on sifting 160 cwts. of nuts, about 2 cwts. of "dust''
were recovered.
I examined this dust and found it to consist largely of insect dung.
This disclosure would appear to be of importance.
Many dried products, including fruits and nuts, are attacked in storage by various
insects, and this " dust" may be readily observed in quantity, in goods thus infested.
Whatever may be argued as to the food value of any portion which may not have
been devoured by the insects, there can be no question of the unsuitability of the
intestinal excrement of even insects, for human food.
Your Officers therefore have no hesitation in holding up for careful examination
articles of this kind.
WALNUTS.
A valuable consignment of these nuts were stopped on account of rancidity, which
was very marked. These were also, ultimately disposed of for extraction first of the
oil, and the residue for cattle food. The original purpose was of course for human
food, the nuts being largely used in cakes and other confectionery. For this purpose
they were quite unfit.
PROVISIONS.
With regard to the goods under this heading, the tea was utilized for the extraction
of caffeine, the margarine for soap making, 187 tons 11 cwts. 2 qrs. 12 lbs. of the
condensed milk for confectionery purposes and 25 tons for pig feeding.