WATER IN MILK

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 111, 20 February 1937, Page 3

WATER IN MILK

EFFECT OF REFRIGERATOR. SAMPLE TAKEN AFTER THAW. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 19. A recommendation that the Health Department should send out circulars to all tradespeople who were accustomed to keep milk in refrigerators was made by Mr C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Police Court in convicting and discharging a milk-bar proprietor for selling milk containing 10 per cent, of added water. Sub-Inspector J. Fox said there were some unusual circumstances in the ease. The Health Department had taken proceedings mainly because it was thought advisable to give publicity to an offence of this nature. In a letter to the police Dr. R. H. Makgill (the Medical Officer of Health), said a sample was taken from the refrigerator in the milk bar. Inquiries had been made, and it was found that the temperature of the refrigerator was set so low that any milk left overnight would freeze to a depth of two inches on the bottom of the can, and the liquid milk above would have frozen particles floating on top. The frozen block of milk apparently contained an exceedingly high water content, and was the cause of additional water in the sample which had been taken by the inspector. There was every reason to believe that the water had been added innocently when milk was being thawed.

It was the first case of the kind in Auckland, said the sub-inspector, and because there were many shops using refrigerators in the city publicity would be desirable. He asked that no penalty be imposed. “This appears to be a very unusual case,” said the magistrate. “It is well that the matter has been brought before the public to ensure that it does not happen again. It would perhaps be a good idea if tne Health Department sent circulars to tho people interested.”