270 



It is the opinion of the Department tliat no coating of any 

 kind can be used in the manner indicated if the product "be 

 mixed, colored, powdered, coated, or stained in a manner where- 

 by damage or inferiority is concealed." In each case whether or 

 not such a result be secured is a question of fact to be decidctd 

 by the evidence. 



It is held b}- the Department that rice treated in the manner 

 indicated above with glucose and starch should be labeled in all 

 cases with the name of the extraneous substances, as 



"coated with glucose and starch." 



In such declarations all of the food substances used for coating 

 should be mentioned. Any coloring matter or other substaixces 

 that may be employed to change the tint of the rice should be 

 declared on the label. 



The question of the wholesomeness of paraffin, talc, or ether 

 non-food substances used is to be construed in such a way as to 

 protect the health of those most susceptible to their influences. 

 Rice is a diet often prescribed for those suffering from impaired 

 digestion. The use of paraffin in such cases is at least of ques- 

 tionable propriety, and in the opinion of the Department it should 

 be excluded from food products. Under the fifth provision of 

 foods, section 7 of the food and drugs act, June 30, 1906, and 

 under Regulation 14 the use of talc is permitted, provided that 

 each package be plamly lal)eled with the name of this preservative 

 and the ])roper directions for removal be given. 



THE PRICE OF AWA ROOT. 



In answer to a correspondent, we have ascertained that the 

 present market value of awa root in London is about eleven or 

 twelve cents per pound. The demand for the article is, however, 

 limited. This information affords an interesting comment upon 

 the little profit to be expected from the collection of awa. numer- 

 ous references to which have lately been made in the local press. 



