REPORT OF BUREAU OF IXSPECTIOX. 185 



tng been informed iby dealers whose samples of ice cream 

 have shown a high milk fat content that a good profit is 

 made on a product that will analyze wdl above the standard, 

 and 'taking into consideration the fact that large quantities of 

 this healthful and valuaible food product are being shipped 

 to this state, there seems to be a broad field for added manu- 

 facture by our own people, thus giving an outlet for dairy 

 products at a market nearer home. 



The results of the ice cream inspections will be found in 

 Official Inspections No. 63. 



CLAMS AND OYSTERS. 



General sampling — in the cities in particular — was done on 

 clams and oysters and while conditions have been remedied 

 as shown by more recent ool'lectioms, there is still a great 

 chance for improvement. This sampling for these products 

 was carried on in the early spring and, again, during the 

 autumn months, ^^'hile oysters and clams are both considered 

 as condimental food, carrying small nutritive food value — 

 sold often as a luxury — 'there is no excuse for selling them in 

 an adulterated form. I regret to announce that the results 

 of analyses in many cases have shown low total solids and a 

 high water content. The practice of soaking clams and oys- 

 ters in order to swell them has been strongly advised against 

 and prevented when possible; when deem.ed necessary, prose- 

 cutions have been made. 



In attempting to regulate the sale of these commodities, we 

 have greatly appreciated the fact that the Rhode Island Shell 

 Fish Commission and the whtdlesale dealers have given us the 

 assurance of their heartiest cooperation. 



IN GENERAL. 



Few complaints relating to suspicions of adulterations, or 

 the quality of any particular food products, have been received. 

 Whenever a complaint has been brought to our attention, how- 

 ever, blanks have been forwarded to the complainant with full 

 directions for taking and forwarding samples for analysis ; 

 when the circumstances warranted, an inspector was detailed 

 to investigate the alleged violation carefully, prosecution being 



