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38
Analytical Laboratory,
Vestry Hall, Harrow Road, W.,
October 9th, 1889.
To the Vestry of the Parish of St. Matthew, Bethnal Green.
Chairman and Gentlemen,
During the quarter ending September 29th. 1889, your
Inspectors have submitted to me for analysis 55 samples of food.
These consisted of the following articles:- Milk. 33; Pepper, 8;
Mustard, 8; Butter, 4; and Coffee 2 samples. Of all these only six
samples of Milk were adulterated. In one case, where only 5 percent.
of water had been added, the vendor was merely Cautioned not to
repeat the offence. In all the other cases of adulteration proceedings
were taken, and fines were imposed. In two cases, tin Mill: wast taken
by Mr. Weston from a country firmer when delivered at the railway
station, where it was bought by a large retailer in the Parish to be
distributed. On analysis, both samples were found to contain. 20 percent
of water added. When summoned, the vendor, through his
solicitor, raised various legal and other objections; these were,
however, very ably met by Inspector Weston, and fines of £2 in each
case were imposed. It is always highly satisfactory to secure the
conviction of these who adulterate in this wholesale manner, and who,
if not stopped, cause innocent retailors to suffer.
In past quarters many samples of Pepper, bought in this district,
have been found to contain olive stones, rice, and ginger; but this
quarter not a solitary sample was adulterated.
So, too, all the samples of Mustard were free from admixture with
flour, or other foreign ingredients.
The samples of Coffee contained no chicory, and wore of good
quality.
This quarter shows a decided improvement in the quantity of
articles adulterated. Last quarter about 20 percent. of the samples
were adulterated, while this quarter only about 11 percent. are
adulterated. The milk supply is far bettor than it used to ho; still
there is room for much improvement, for though only six samples
were so adulterated as to merit prosecution, eleven others were so
poor as only just to come above the standard. In two other cases the
purpose of the purchase was evidently suspected, and extra cream
was added by the vendors to make them safe. The sum of £6 10s.
for fines has been allotted to the Vestry this quarter.
I remain your obedient Servant,
ALF. W. STOKES, F.C.S., F.I.O.,
Public Analyst.