View report page

Amalytical Laboratory,
VESTRY HALL, PADDINGTON GREEN, w.
October 7th, 1890.
To the Vestry of the Parish of St Matthew, Bethnal Green
Chain man and Gentlemen,
During the quarter ending September 29th, 1890, I have
received for analysis from your Inspectors, 25 samples of food. All
these were samples of Milk, of which 7 samples proved to he
adulterated. The adulteration ranged from the addition of 5 to 20
per cent. of water, Proceedings were taken against the vendors of all
the samples containing more than 5 per cent. of added water, and
convictions were in every case obtained. The fines varied from 5s. for
the addition of 17 per cent. of water, to £15 for adding 15 per cent.
of water.
It is singular that out of 10 samples purchased by the New
Inspector (Mr. Foot), no loss than 6 samples proved to be adulterated;
while only 1 sample out of 15 purchased by the older Inspector
(Mr. Weston) was found to bo adulterated. It may be, as I have
noticed in a neighbouring parish, that the Now Inspector was unknown
to the milk trade, and being to them a stranger they meant to
take him in, if so, they must have been rather disappointed. It is of
course very difficult for a wall-known officer to procure bad samples.
On the other hand it may bo that Mr. Weston's purchases being made
after Mr. Foot's, the vendors of adulterated samples hud taken alarm,
and had at least temporarily mended their ways. If so, it shows that
the carrying out of the Adulteration Act certainly acts as a deterrent.
The sum of £19 5s. for fines has been ordered to be paid into the
Vestry's account during the quarter; so that so far this year, the
total expenses of carrying out the Act have been more than covered
by the fines imposed. Appending a tabulated list of the articles
analyzed,
I remain yours obediently,
ALF. W. STOKES, F.C.S., F.I.C.,
Public Analyst.