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109
is most undesirable owing to the removal during the polishing process of much
of the nutritive value of the grain and to the introduction of insoluble mineral
matter into the body.
In the case of pearl barley the mineral "facing" is decidedly objectionable.
It is highly important that pearl barley should be free from contamination
of this kind owing to the medicinal properties of barley water which is extensively
used for invalids and children.
Lemon Squash.
Three samples of lemon squash contained 245, 125 and 175 parts sulphur
dioxide per million respectively These quantities are within the limit of
sulphur dioxide allowed.
Gelatine.
Three samples of gelatine contained 345, 190 and 550 parts sulphur dioxide
per million respectively. Gelatine may contain not more than 1,000 parts
sulphur dioxide per million.
Pepper.
Fifteen samples of pepper were examined. One sample bore the label
"This compound is sold as a mixed article and is warranted to be of choice
quality. Sale of Food and Drugs Act." The sample consisted of pepper containing
50 per cent. of rice starch.
Jam.
Three samples of jam examined were genuine and free from prohibited
dyes. Each sample contained traces of sulphur dioxide.
The labelling of jam has for long been unsatisfactory. It has, however,
always been recognised that there is a large demand for cheap jam and
consequently such jam cannot be of the best quality. It has been a common
custom to add to the label describing jam the words "With other fruit juice"
in very small print.
The Jam Section of the Food Manufacturers' Federation in conjunction
with the Society of Public Analysts have now adopted certain standards for
jam and these standards came into operation on November 1st, 1930.
These standards provide for a first quality and a second quality jam,
labelled respectively "Full Fruit Standard" and "Lower hruit Standard"