View report page

170
SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1875.
REPORT UPON ARTICLES ANALYSED
DURING THE YEAR 1888,
made to the
Vestry of St. James, Westminster,
by
JAS. EDMUNDS, M.D., M.R.C.P., Lond., F.R.M.S., F.C.S., &c.,
Medical Officer of Health and Public Analyst for St. James, Westminster
Reverend Sir and Gentlemen,—
During the year 1888, under the provisions of the Sale
of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, 55 samples were examined, of
which 54 were procured for examination by the Vestry
Officers, and one was brought by a parishioner.
Of milk, 12 specimens have been examined. Only two of these
samples were certified as adulterated. In these cases the milk
was found to contain respectively 20 and 21 parts per cent.
of added water. The Vendors were summoned, and each
was fined 5s. and costs. Two samples of coffee were found to
contain 40 parts per cent. of chicory. In the first case the
vendor was summoned, and fined £l and costs ; in the second
case the vendor was fined 10s. and costs. On comparing these
facts with those set out in previous Annual Reports, it
will appear that fraud in the shape of adulteration of those
articles of food which are in general request among the
population in the Parish of St. James has greatly diminished
—doubtless in consequence of the prosecutions that have been
instituted by the Vestry.
The variation in the penalties inflicted by different Magistrates
in cases of conviction under the Adulteration Acts is an
anomaly.
In none of the samples was any poisonous ingredient
discovered.
No money or consideration other than the stipend paid by the
Vestry has been received by me in connection with these
analyses.
I have the honour to remain,
Rev. Sir and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JAMES EDMUNDS.
8, Grafton Street, Piccadilly.