28 Kansas Academy of Science. 



These facts have led us to make some examinations of the gran- 

 ulated sugars at present sold in this state, with the following re- 

 sults : 



Something over twenty samples of the finest grade of powdered 

 sugar, namely, the XXXX, have been collected by our inspectors 

 and examined in the laboratory. As one requirement for pow- 

 dered sugar is that it should be fine and free from lumps, some of 

 the manufacturers have been putting a little starch into the sugar 

 during the process of grinding. This can hardly be called adulter- 

 ation, however, as it is not put in with the object of cheapening 

 the product, but to improve its quality for a particular purpose. 

 Starch is, furthermore, a food product, although less expensive 

 than sugar. A mineral substance, if added to the sugar, would be 

 considered an adulteration, as mineral substances are especially 

 forbidden for use in sugar or confectionery. 



Of the twenty samples analyzed five contained starch, and the 

 maximum quantity found in any sample was 4 per cent. In one 

 package, in which the label stated 2 per cent of starch was present, 

 no starch was found. It is not uncommon, however, to find that 

 the label does not truthfully describe the contents of the package. 

 There was no indication of the presence of other substances than 

 pure cane sugar in the samples examined. 



Although the jjure food and drugs laws are fairly well enforced, 

 there is always the tendency in the trade to encroach as far as 

 possible over the line. By ingenious labels, written by well-trained 

 counsel, products are kept on the market almost in spite of the 

 efforts of the authorities. Although the glaring frauds are elimi- 

 nated, there is just as much need as ever for vigilance on the part 

 of those who are working to protect the consumers from misrepre^ 

 sentation in foodstuffs. 



