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66
This is the second occasion on which I have found starch in
milk and other analysts have also detected that adulterant.
The object of the addition of starch is to conceal the added
water and give an appearance of richness to the milk.
Mustard.—Four samples were examined, all of which were
genuine.
Pepper.—Two samples were received, both being genuine.
The adulteration of pepper with "poivrette" (or ground olive
stones) seems to have been pretty well stamped out. Ground
rice is still occasionally met with.
Whiskey.—Fifteen samples were analysed, and of these only
two were watered, being respectively 28° and 31¾° under proof.
The genuine samples consisted of:—
1 sample 12° under proof,
l
150° „ „
1 „ 16° „ „
2 samples 17½°,, ,,
1 sample 19½° ,, ,,
1 „ 20° „
1 „ 20½° „ „
1 „ 22° „ „
2 samples 28° „ „
1 sample 23½° ,, „
1 „ 241½° „ „
Summary. — The total proportion of actually adulterated
samples is small.
Excluding the coffee (declared as a mixture) and the three
doubtful milks (containing 4 per cent. of water) there remain
three gins, six milks, and two whiskies, eleven samples in all,
out of 118 samples analysed, or 9.3 per cent.
Taking the milks separately, six out of fifty-seven, or 10.5
per cent. were actually adulterated.
On June 22nd I had the honour of representing your Board
at a Conference held at the Vestry Hall, St. George's, Hanover
Square, to consider the amendment of the Sale of Food and
Drugs Act.
Various resolutions were passed, all of which in my opinion
are worthy of support.
On July 17th I reported to your Sanitary Committee on these
resolutions.