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21
Analyst’s Reports.
Analytical Laboratory,
Vestry Hall, Harrow Road, W.,
August, 1885.
To the Vestry of the Parish of St. Matthew, Bethnal Green.
Chairman and Gentlemen,—A total of 26 samples of food has
been submitted to me for analysis, by your Inspectors during the past
quarter. All the articles were samples of Milk, of these no less than
16, that is 61 per cent., were adulterated either by the abstraction of
cream or by the addition of from 8 to 40 per cent. of water.
Where the added water did not exceed 8 per cent., the vendors were
only cautioned to be more careful in future; in the other cases legal
proceedings were taken.
In one case where cream had been abstracted the vendor denied the
fact, though he gave evidence stating that his own Analyst had
reported the sample to be skimmed. The Magistrate hereupon sent a
duplicate sample to Somerset House, the three chemists there stated
that half the cream had been abstracted.
The defendant produced a scientific witness to give evidence that he
had known cows to give poorer milk than this sample. Although no
less than five Analysts were agreed as to the abstraction of cream, the
Magistrate dismissed the case on the evidence of this one witness,
allowing however no costs to the defendant.
In another case a Street Milk Seller gave the Inspector a false name
and address, hence it was impossible to find and serve a summons upon
him.
The percentage of adulterated samples still continues very high, the
fraudulent vendors doubtless thinking that this enquiry into the
quality of their goods is but temporary and may soon cease. Continued
vigilance may however lead them to see that the Sanitary Committee
is in earnest in its effort to secure to the parish a supply of pure and
wholesome food.
The sum of £32 for fines has already been ordered to be paid into
the Yestry's account. One case of adulteration stands adjourned for
future hearing. I forward herewith a tabulated statement of the
result of each analysis.
I have the honour, Gentlemen, to be
Your obedient Servant,
ALF. W. STOKES.
Public Analyst.