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46
As the table shows, 59.3 per cent. of the samples of cream taken in Kensington from 1908 to1928
were free from preservatives. Indeed, since 1921, it has been found that in the better classdairies
the sale of preserved cream has been discontinued, which fact undoubtedly proves that it is
possible to carry on the cream trade without the use of preservatives. It has been the practice for
some time past for retailers to obtain their stocks of cream daily instead of bi-weekly or even
weekly, as was the previous custom.
Since the 1st January last, on which date the Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food)
Regulations in respect of cream became operative, seven samples of cream have been analysed by
the Public Analyst and every one was found to be free from preservatives.
Enquiries made of cream retailers have shown that the new Regulations have not resulted in
much loss by reason of the cream becoming sour. Indeed, having regard to the process of preparation
of cream, which under modern methods is a rapid one, there does not appear to be any justification
for taking the retrograde step of again permitting the audition of preservatives to cream,
when such cream is intended for consumption in its natural state.
I have consulted two large firms of caterers and confectionery makers and, whilst they both
agree that it is possible for cream to be sold in shops and restaurants without the use of preservatives,
they are by no means certain that hardship and loss will not be experienced in the use of
unpreserved cream in the manufacture of such articles of food as pastries, gateaux, eclairs, etc.
They point out that cream used in the manufacture of pastries, etc., will sour much more quickly
than cream kept in a cool place in a dairy. The cream is usually a day old when used by the
confectioner and is subjected to varying temperatures in the vans, shops and so on. One firm
mentions that a particular consignment of cream confectionery was made during the night,
despatched in the early morning and had to be destroyed at 4 p.m. the same day, owing to the
souring of the cream. The other firm stated that there had been a good deal of waste and loss due
to souring of cream goods and that at one time they considered the possibility of having to withdraw
this type of goods from their market. As a result of further trials, however, they had been
able, by reason of employing improved hygienic methods throughout both production and distribution,
to carry on the sale so far, but they look forward to the future with some misgivings.
These are two large firms and possibly they are in a better position to adopt improved hygienic
methods than many smaller firms and, therefore, those smaller firms may be driven to find somesubstitute
for cream or may reconstitute cream in a similar way to that in which milk is reconstituted.
So far, I am satisfied that in regard to the sale of cream in the ordinary way the Regulations
will not create hardship to the trade, but I think further enquiries should be made and a close
watch kept on the confectionery trade to see whether the Regulations prove harsh and unreasonable
in regard to the use of cream in the manufacture of pastries, gateaux, eclairs, etc.
Margarine and Butter Substitutes.— Under Section 9 of the Margarine Act, 1887, and Section
7 (4) of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1899, manufacturers and wholesale dealers in margarine
and margarine cheese are required to register their premises with the local authority. By Section
1 (1) of the Butter and Margarine Act, 1907, these requirements were extended to butter factories
and to the premises of wholesale dealers m milk-blended butter. The following premises in the
Borough are registered in accordance with the requirements of the above Acts :—
Lipton, Ltd. 210, Portobello Road.
„ „ 145, Brompton Road.
E. C. Nicholls 19, Church Street.
Maypole Dairy Co., Ltd. 196, Portobello Road.
Home and Colonial Stores, Ltd. 136, Portobello Road.
„ „ „ 184, Portobello Road.
„ „ „ 20, Chepstow Mansions.
„ „ „ 71, Notting Hill Gate.
„ „ „ 171, Earl's Court Road.
„ „ „ 98, Golborne Road
Pearks, Ltd. 76, Golborne Road.
„ 62, Princes Road.
„ 165, Portobello Road.
Sale of Food Order, 1921.— No infringements of the Order were noted during the year
Food Poisoning.— No instance of food poisoning was brought to my notice duriner the year