The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JULY 10th, 1925. PURE FOODS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JULY 10th, 1925. PURE FOODS.

The pure food regulations framed to protect the public against exploitation hare been in force for some time, and interesting details were supplied by Dr T. G. Hughes, Medical Officer of Health. The regulations were framed after careful and lengthy consideration. The Dominion Analyst, who was conversant with the regulations existing throughout the world, and who had a thorough knowledge of the manufacture of foodstuffs, was brought in hv the Government to discuss the matter with the Department and the representatives of the trades. A number of con- I ferences were then held, and these dealt with a large proportion of the foodstuffs in the regulations, FinsSiy an agreement was reached in regard

to a large majority of the regulations, the other matters being altered and then agreed to. Among tile new regulations are some points that might 1«' nl' interest. In the first ease, three separate standards are setter Die use of sulphur dioxide a.s a preservative in the preparation of various drinks. Summer drinks, or flavoured non-aleo-liolic beverages, are allowed one grain to the pint. In the case of lemon juice and lime juice, two grains to tin* pint are permitted. These regulations follow the line taken in New South Wales, and no difficulties have liven met with in New Zealand or Australia in carrying them out. As a matter of fact the conditions under which foodstuffs have to lie stored arc more severe in Australia than is the ease in New Zealand, mainly due to the climatic conditions. A clause relating to oil of lemon states that it shall have an optical rotation of 26 degrees of not less than plus 69 degrees under a one hundred millimetre tube. The regulations relating to the cheese and condensed milk standards are also calculated to engender interesting thoughts to those who manufacture such commodities. The recognised standard the world over for condensed milk is 8 pc: cent of huttcr-fnt. The new regulations provide that unsweetened condensed milk shall contain 7.8 j>er cent of butter-fat, while the sweetened article shall contain 9 per cent. There has lieen no difficulty in regard to the standard of cheese. Dr. Hughes stated that the regulations had been in force for some time. A special laboratory had been set up in Auckland, and a .special stall was engaged on the analysis of foodstuffs, samples of which were collected by inspectors from the whole of the Auckland province. It was also a fact that samples were obtained of various foodstuffs before they were landed in the country. The system of closely analysing the material in shops throughout the district was in perfect order, and the various districts were in close touch with each other. If something was found to he wrong in Auckland it was immediately passed on to the rest of the districts and departments throughout Now Zealand. and thus were the foodsuffs kept lit for consumption. Only food complying with the regulations was sold, and each year tons of foodstuffs were condom nod.