No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 67 



food laws, and, as in the year just conolnded, it shall be my purpose 

 to continue an nctive warfare against their unw^arranted and illegal 

 use. 



ADULTERATED CEREAL PRODUCTS. 



The cereals and the numerous preparations made therefrom form 

 a very important part of human food and constitute a large part 

 of the trade in food products. These articles, particularly flour, 

 are susceptible of manipulation to the detriment of the consumer. 

 In one of the leading flour-producing states the practices of adultera- 

 tion became so common that it was necessary for the legitimate and 

 honorable producers to combine, in order that their trade reputation 

 might not be entirely destroyed by unscrupulous producers and deal- 

 ers. As a result, anti-adulteration leagues were organized, and to- 

 day their former prestige is being gradually restored, and the de- 

 mand for their products has once more attained a normal and 

 healthy condition. It is probable that, with your approval, cereal 

 products will be a subject of special examination at a later period. 



CONSIDERATION OF CASES. 



The Commissioner respectfully reports that in the preparation 

 of a case for prosecution, its various phases are carefully consid- 

 ered and that possibly more pains are taken and more expense in- 

 curred in securing evidence than has been customary in the past. 

 It is only when actual fraud and deception have been attempted 

 or practiced, or when positively harmful or poisonous adulterants, 

 admixtures, dyes or compounds are employed in the preparation of 

 :joods for sale, that the law^ is invoked to correct abuses and thus 

 prevent physical injury to a long-suffering and much-defrauded class 

 of consumers. 



EDUCATING THE PUBLIC. 



A vast amount of the w^ork of the office force, as well as that of 

 the attorneys, special agents and other assistants, connected with 

 this Division, might very properly be regarded as of an educational 

 character. The official correspondence has assumed very large pro- 

 portions, and the concern manifested in the work of securing better 

 and more wholesome food and drink for the people has aroused 

 an unparalleled interest in all sections of the Commonwealth. 

 Wherever actual fraud was shown by correspondents the Commis- 

 sioner promptly exercised his legal authority to improve conditions, 

 w'hether they were either local or general in character. This hearty 

 co-operation of the public materially added to the zeal and inspira- 

 tion necessary to successfullv enforce the laws. 



