80 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



er orders responded with almost invariable direful effects where such 

 experimentation was made. The use of alleged '^harmless" coloring 

 material in articles of food was especially prolific of unfavorable phy- 

 siological results, and too much caution can scarcely be exercised. 



The several chemists of the Dairy and Food Division will probably 

 make a thorough investigation into the use of the coloring materials 

 commonly employed by manufacturers of foot! and articles of drink 

 in the near future. A classification of the poisonous and non-pois- 

 ousness groups of colors and dyes — whether mineral or vegetable, 

 could not be otherwise than helf)ful and valuable. 



LEGAL, MEASUREMENT OF MILK. 



During the past year a considerable correspondence was created 

 relative to the subject of the proper standard measurement of milk 

 and cream. The producers of South eastern Pennsylvania were 

 especially emphatic in their denunciation of dairymen and dealers 

 who insisted in demanding dry measure when purchasing their 

 supplies, while they sold only by liquid measures, that is, 231 cubic 

 inches per gallon, thus realizing a very large gain in this difference 

 alone. That such action is unjust and irregular, to use mild lan- 

 guage, is very clear, and it is to be earnestly hoped that the next ses- 

 sion of the legislature will enact a law that will remedy the wrong, 

 and give to all parties concerned just and legal measure. False 

 weights and measures are an abomination, dating back to Biblical 

 days, and thej^ should not be tolerated now. Another imposition that 

 is largely practiced even where least suspected is the too common 

 use of short measure bottles by dairymen in dispensing milk and 

 cream. 



ORDERING SHORT MEASURE MILK BOTTLES. 



The manufacturers of bottles have carefully graded their goods, 

 and the milkmen simply indicate when ordering stock whether they 

 desire regular quart and pint size bottles, or those containing any- 

 where from one-half to three ounces less than the legal quart meas- 

 ure. Though in blissful ignorance, the consumer is defrauded, and 

 in the aggregate, pays a homage to the dishonest dealer that is very 

 considerable, indeed. This is another wrong that requires attention 

 at the hands of the Legislature. 



THE USE OF SUGAR SUBSTITUTES. 



The continued use of imitation sugar products has been brought to 

 the attention of the Dairy and Food officials at more or less regu- 

 lar intervals. Saccharin and other sugar substitutes, said to be 

 "more than 550 times sweeter than sugar," are used only too freely 

 by manufacturers of soft drinks and certain canned vegetables. As 

 coal-tar derivatives, such "^sweeteners" are pronounced by those re- 

 garded as high authorities as being not only deceptive but positively 

 harmful. 



It is proper to state that the Dairy and Food authorities of Penn- 

 sylvania have never sanctioned the use of such articles. Their use is 

 urged on the plea of economy, and the consumer too often encour- 

 ages it to his own detriment, because of the inordinate desire to pur- 

 chase too cheaply, and regarding quality of only secondary or minor 

 importance. 



