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31
For the Quarter ending March 25th, 1885.
Analytical Laboratory,
Vestry Hall, Harrow Road, W.,
April 25th, 1885.
To the Vestry of the Parish of St. Matthew, Bethnal Green.
Chairman and Gentlemen,—During the quarter ending March 25th,
1885, there has been submitted to me for analysis, by your Inspectors, a total
of 39 samples of food. These have consisted entirely of dairy produce—Butter
and Milk. Of the 21 samples of milk that were examined no less than 12 were
adulterated. This adulteration ranged from the addition of 9 per cent, of
water to the abstraction of the whole of the cream from a sample to which 40
per cent, of water had been added. The vendors of these samples were
summoned, and all the prosecutions were successfully carried through, substantial
fines being in each case imposed by the Magistrates.
The samples of Butter numbered 18; of these 11 were adulterated. Only
one of the adulterated samples contained any butter whatever; all the others
consisting entirely of beef fat, with a little salt, water, curds, and colouring
matter.
Only one of the vendors of these adulterated samples of Butter escaped
conviction. He swore that the Inspector did not ask for butter, but for some
of his "fourteenpenny." Though this was contradicted by the Inspector the
Magistrate ruled that there was not sufficient evidence to convict in this case.
Seeing that the material sold can be purchased wholesale for something under
sixpence per pound, the vendor was getting a good profit on the article by
selling it as butter.
It is somewhat unsatisfactory to find that about 60 per cent, of the articles
forwarded this quarter are adulterated, pointing as it does to a low morality
amongst certain traders, and indicating much misery that must be produced
amongst those who have to consume such adulterated and impoverished articles.
Hitherto the extra gains have easily covered the few shillings fine that used
to be imposed ; but now there are signs that the Magistrates intend to deal less
leniently with such offences. In this last quarter the fines have become heavier 5
for the 23 cases of adulteration no less a sum than £98 has been paid into the
Vestry's account as fines, costs also in all cases being paid.
Should such fines continue we may hope ere long that the adulterators may
hasten to the conclusion that " honesty is the best policy."
Such results cannot but be encouraging to the Sanitary Committee, who have
done so much in endeavouring to ensure to the poorer parishioners their just
right to a supply of pure and wholesome food.
I would take this opportunity of expressing my indebtedness to the Sanitary
Inspectors for the able and vigorous way in which they have carried out the
desires of the Sanitary Committee, and have brought the numerous prosecutions
to a satisfactory conclusion.
Herewith I forward a tabulated list of the articles analysed.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
ALF. W. STOKES,
Public Analyst.