ARSENIC ON APPLES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 18 December 1925, Page 5

ARSENIC ON APPLES.

BRITISH HEALTH M/INjISTRY’S ATTITUDE. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT LONDON, Dec. 16. After an informal conference between representatives of the National Federation of Fruit Traders and the health officers of the Port of London and Westminster and the medical staff of the Ministry of Health, Dr. McFadden, of the Ministry, emphatically stated that the Ministry intended to pursue an investigation at the docks as far as possible, and on finding even one-hundredth part of a grain of arsenic to the pound of apples it will continue a minute examination. On finding one-tenth of a grain per pound the Ministry will probably condemn the entire, cargo and not allow its reexport, but will order the cargo to be shipped back to the country of origin. Dr. McFadden said that personally lie would order condemnation whenever the presence of one-hun'dredth of a. grain was brought to his notice. The utmost the Ministry will do is to extend leniency for the next five weeks. The fruitgrowers must find other means of combating the pests, as the Ministry is determined not to allow the use of poisonous food. The Federation, at a meeting, decided that it was useless to approach the Ministry further, but a sub-committee was formed to urge upon all High Commissioners and Agents-General the necessity of an investigation of the matter with a view to getting the drastic regulations modified.