FOODS — HUMAN NUTRITION. 665 



"None of the 4 samples of coated peanuts contained arsenic in the coatings." 



Coal tar dyes were found in a number of tlie samples, some of them unper- 

 mitted colors. 



Short wei^'ht was noted with 35 out of the 189 samples of candies examined. 



Foods, drugs, and sanitation, E. F. I^dd et al. {North Dakota Sta. Rpt. 

 1912, pt. 2, pp. 28S, figs. 2). — This report covers work carried on up to Novem- 

 ber 1 in the calendar year 1912. Many pure food and drug topics and related 

 matters are di.scussed, data presented regarding the examination of miscella- 

 neous foodstuffs and drug products and regarding the sanitary inspection of 

 groceries, restaurants, and so on, a number of formulas given for preseving 

 fruits for display. Some experimental work is also reported. 



It is pointed out that since the state law has been in operation markwl im- 

 provement in conditions has been noted, approximately 9.1 per cent of the foods 

 reported by the inspectors in 1912 being found to conform with the legal require- 

 ments. A similar improvement has been noted as a result of the sanitarj^ in- 

 spection of places where foods are prepared, handled, stored, and disposed of. 



The dangers from exposing foods to dust are discussed and the results of a 

 test are given showing that grapes exposed in a basket upon the sidewalk iu 

 front of a store had 3,000,000 bacteria per grape on the outside of the cluster 

 as compared with 780,000 on the inside. " The grapes from the outside of the 

 cluster were found to contain colon bacilli, approximately, 5 per cc. of the 

 washing water, or 100 colon bacilli per grape. The presence of intestinal 

 bacilli gathered from the street dust shows the danger to which one is sub- 

 jected when eating fruit of this kind, as is a common practice especially among 

 younger children." 



The results of a study of mince-meat and mince-pie filling are reported, and 

 give information as to the composition and character of such goods. It is 

 noted that at least a part of the manufacturers and dealers " are endeavoring to 

 comply with the law, and are using a full 10 per cent of clean, wholesome meal 

 In their different brands of mince-meat." 



In connection with the examination of milk and other dairy products, the 

 results of 8 analyses of human milk are presented. 



The data gathered in a preliminary study of the effect of preservatives upon 

 eiders seem to indicate that different apple juices act dissimilarly under the 

 influence of sodium benzoate. " Doubtless an ultimate analysis of each experi- 

 mental sample at stated intervals would assist in solving the problem." 



A preliminary study was made of sorghum sirups, and ash analyses and 

 other analytical data are reported. Definite conclusions can not be drawn, it Is 

 stated, until more work is done on the ash content. This factor appears to bfe 

 rather constant in pure sorghum sirups. "This ash content of molasses and 

 other sirups should be studied, as a clue to the grade and class of these products 

 might be obtained . . . [from the composition of the ash]." It is stated that 

 work of this character will be continued. 



A report on rice, which is included, takes into account the facing of rice and 

 summarizes data of other investigators as well as information regarding the 

 protein and ash content of rice and its value and uses as food. Data regarding 

 ash constituents and methods of detecting the facing of rice are given, and a 

 study of rice oil was made, a number of samples being examined, particularly 

 with reference to the detection of various oils " used sometimes to make rice 

 appear a better quality ; also to improve the appearance of good grades of rice 

 and give them a finish." 



Aji extended study of tomatoes, with special reference to canned tomatoes, is 

 also included in the report, which summarizes data regarding the composition 



