66 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



PURE POOD LEGISLATION. 



The successful work accomplished in this Commonwealth has 

 mainly resulted from the "Pure Food Act of 1895," which was re- 

 garded at the time of its passage as the most perfect pure food law 

 that had, up to that time, been adopted by any state of the Union. 

 In a number of instances this act was made by other states a basis 

 for the enactment of pure food legislation. The results attained 

 have confirmed its utility and demonstrated its justice. 



It is, however, true that my brief incumbency of the ofiSce has 

 shown the need of some additional legislation. While certain 

 statutes now in force are very good in their character and scope, 

 there are certain changes to be recommended at a later and more 

 appropriate period, that could not do otherwise than still better 

 fortify the Commissioner and his assistants against possible de- 

 lays and annoyances in the courts, and in securing a more speedy and 

 proper termination of all suits. It is essential that delays oc- 

 casioned by minor causes and quibbling shall be avoided, as the best 

 moral effect is secured when the guilty ones are speedily brought 

 to justice. 



FOOD PRESERVATIVES. 



The use and abuse of food preservatives is a subject that has re- 

 ceived my earnest and serious consideration. The fraudulent prac- 

 tice of employing injurious preservatives that are tasteless and not 

 noticeable to the consumer has been on the increase, notwithstand- 

 ing the existence of laws prohibiting their use and providing severe 

 penalties in cases where the laws are violated. It is asserted by 

 eminent medical authorities that few, if any, food preservatives 

 have been discovered which are entirely nontoxic, and which do 

 not have a marked influence on digestion, even when taken in small 

 quantities. The people of Germany decreed wisely when they de- 

 clared that the use of all preservatives in articles of food and drink 

 should be prohibited. Manufacturers and dealers usually commit 

 two wrongs when using such agents: First, they violate the laws of 

 the State, and, second, they add to the article a substance which, in 

 many instances, is injurious to health. A number of dealers have 

 been found selling the same preservative, '^mixture" or "compound" 

 under a variety of names. 



Another feature that attracted attention was the fact that the 

 mysterious (?) "compound" was in some instances sold at prices 

 from double to twenty times its true value. The physiological 

 studies made and the evidence which has accumulated all condemn 

 the addition of salicylic acid and certain other preservatives under 

 all circumstances. Commercial food preservatives that are dele- 

 terious to health are jdaced undor the ban of the Pennsylvania pure 



