MILK BAR OFFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 22578, 20 February 1937, Page 21

MILK BAR OFFENCE

10 PER CENT. WATER ADDED INMOGENt BREACH-CREATED IH THAWING [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, February 19. A recommendation that the Health Department should send out circulars to all trades people who were accustomed to keeping milk in refrigerators was made by Air C. It. 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 Fox said there wore some unusual circumstances involved in the case. 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 Makgill, medical officer of health, said a sample was taken from the refrigerator in a milk bar. Inquiries had been made and it was found that the temperature of the refrigerator was set so low that ani overnight would freeze to a depth of 2in on the bottom of the can and the liquid milk above would have frozen particles floating on top. The method of thawing a frozen block was to place it in other milk. A frozen block of milk apparently contained an exceedingly high water content and was the cause of the 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 the milk was bein'* thawed, it was the first case ot its kind in Auckland, Sub-inspector Fox said, and in view of the fact that chore were many shops using refrigerators in the city publicity would be desirable. He asked that no penalty be inflicted. . “ This appears to be a very unusual case,” said the Magistrate. “ It is well that the matter has been brought before tlio public to ensure that it does not happen again. It would, perhaps, be a good idea if the Health Department sent circulars to the people interested.”