REPORT OF BUREAU OF INSPECTION. H/ 



concerns, owing to their isolation and distance from the rail- 

 roads; but by the use of the automobile, this difficulty has been 

 overcome. The cooperation of the Deputy Sealer of Weights 

 and Measures was also obtained, and he accompanied the federal 

 and state inspectors on these trips ; in this way, while informa- 

 tion was gained as to general sanitary conditions and the raw 

 product used, the scales and measures employed by the packers 

 were tested. Our deputy gave careful attention to the methods 

 employed in packing, noting the source of the water supply, the 

 health and cleanliness of the employees, etc. Some of the 

 factories did not have proper washing and drinking facilities, 

 nor were soap and towels supplied ; other establishments, how^- 

 ever, had sanitary notices posted, and where their use was not 

 in evidence, it was recommended. The use of corn-starch was 

 investigated ; samples from practically all of the factories were 

 obtained and have been examined at the laboratory. Thus far, 

 the results have been most pleasing and indicate that wherever 

 corn-starch has been added, the fact has been stated upon the 

 label. We are glad to make the general assertion that the 

 average corn packer in the State of Maine is attempting to put 

 upon the market an excellent product — worthy of the enviable 

 reputation which Maine packed corn bears. 



Blueberry Factories: In two counties in the state — Washing- 

 ton and Hancock — the canning of blueberries has become an 

 important industrial operation and realizing its importance, we 

 have devoted some time during the past season to the inspection 

 of this industry. From about the 20th of July until the 20th of 

 September, when the season for canning blueberries is at its 

 height, an inspector was assigned to this particular work ; he 

 visited sixteen factories, advising with the packers and calling 

 to their attention the rules and regulations of this Bureau pro- 

 viding that factories shall be kept clean and free from dust and 

 cobwebs ; the floors kept clean ; the utensils used in the process 

 of canning cared for in a sanitary manner ; the toilets kept in a 

 cleanly condition, and soap and a supply of clean towels always 

 accessible. It was also a regulation that particular care should 

 be taken with the berries before canning, in order that all 

 foreign substances might be removed — and upon the enforce- 

 ment of this regulation rested the greatest responsibility. The 

 inspector detailed for this work devoted his whole time to the 



