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81
CONTAMINATION OF APPLES WITH ARSENIC.
A consignment of apples arrived in the Port during the year, some of which, on
examination, showed a white powder in the stem and calyx, and also on the general
surface of the fruit.
In view of the possibility of this condition being the result of spraying the fruit
with some solution containing arsenic, three of the worst specimens were taken to
your Analyst, who reported arsenic to be present to the extent of 1/89 grain per pound.
These apples were removed from the docks to Covent Garden, the Medical Officer of
Health of Westminster being informed of the result of the analysis.
A later consignment, which appeared to be contaminated in a similar way but
to a much less degree, was detained pending examination of samples by your Analyst.
In this case arsenic was present only to the extent of 1/635 of a grain per pound.
The amount being insignificant, the consignment was released without restriction.
CANNED SPINACH.
On 15th July a sample was taken from a consignment of ten cases of canned
spinach lying at Brussels Wharf, London Dock. The Public Analyst reported that
this sample contained Copper to the extent of 0.015 per cent., equivalent to 4.15 grains
Crystallised Copper Sulphate per pound. Under the Public Health (Preservatives)
&c., in Food) Regulations, it is illegal to import food to which Copper has been added
as a colouring agent. With the approval of your Chairman, the matter was placed
in the hands of Mr. Solicitor, with a view to the taking of legal proceedings against
the importers.
The Belgian manufacturers explained that they prepared canned spinach coloured
by Copper Sulphate for certain Continental customers, but the Spinach they prepared
for the English market was not so coloured. The inclusion in a consignment for
England of Spinach of the former class was an accident. In view of this statement,
sample tins were taken from the other nine cases. None of these samples contained
Copper. Therefore a summons was issued against the importers in respect of one
case only, and was heard at the Thames Police Court on 5th August. The magistrate
dismissed the summons under the Probation of Offenders Act upon payment by the
defendants of £10 10s. costs.
The case of 50 tins from Avhich the sample containing Copper was taken was
destroyed. The importers returned the other nine cases to the manufacturers.
Official Certificates, recognised by the Ministry of Health, under the Public Health
(Imported Food) Regulations, 1925:—
(1) In respect of Pork and other edible parts of the pig, Items (a) and (c) of
Second Schedule:—
Argentine Republic. Latvian Republic.
Australia. Netherlands.
Belgium. New Zealand.
Brazil. Sweden.
Canada. United States of America.
Denmark. Uruguayan Republic.
Esthonian Republic. Union of South Africa.
(2) Item (b), Second Schedule, Lard, Dripping, Edible Tallow and similar
rendered Fats:—
Australia. New Zealand.
Argentine Republic. Netherlands.
Brazilian Republic. Sweden.
Canada. Switzerland.
Denmark. United States of America.
Hong Kong. Uruguayan Republic.
Italy.
PUBLIC HEALTH (IMPORTED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1926.
No importation of milk requiring action under these Regulations was reported
during the year.