THE WATER CONTENT IN BUTTER.

Southland Times, Issue 20522, 26 June 1928, Page 3

THE WATER CONTENT IN BUTTER.

To the Editor. Sir, —I have noticed that the farmers have expressed their indignation at the recent prosecution of a small farmer for the offence of selling butter containing almost a half per cent, more of moisture than the maximum allowance. Personally, I fail to see how the department for the prosecution could do anything different from what has been done. The buyer and consumer of butter must be protected against adulteration. The maximum allowance of 16 per cent, of added water in butter is not expected to be reached under ordinary conditions. But I wonder if the factory-made butter is allowed to overreach that standard, of 16 per cent, and if the factory output is being carefully observed by the Government inspectors? Some years ago, I remember the Farmers’ Union secretary urging on the dairy factories to go to the full limit of the law in order to get the best returns to the suppliers in their monthly cheques. - I am aware, too, of certain dairy factories having installed a modern sprinkler so that water can be uniformly distributed over the bulk to escape detection; and I feel sure that by this means of scientific sprinkling they can pass the limit of 16 per cent, of added water.

It seems to me that the interests of the community must be protected against the rapacity of private traders. Butter represents a staple article of food and I think that water can be procured at a much more reasonable price than one and seven pence a pound. The health of the children and the pockets of parents must be secured against this form of transgression and more encouragement should be given to the inspectors in the faithful discharge of their duty in this way.—l am, etc., , “CONNOISSEUR.”