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United States Department of Agriculture, 



BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY. Circular No. 21. 

 H. W. WILEY. Chief of Bureau. 



PROPOSED REGULATIONS WOVERNINO THE LABELING OF IMPORTED 



FOOD PRODUCTS. 



[Artificial coloring matter (especially sulphate of copper), glucose, and foods 



"Prepared with oil."] 



In addition to the suggestions to importers of food products, as set 

 forth in Circular No. 18 of the Bureau of Chemistry, the following pro- 

 posed regulations, rendered advisable by conditions revealed in the 

 inspection of imported foods, are submitted for the information of 

 importers and their agents: 



The use of sulphate of copper as a coloring matter in certain green vegetables 

 has become quite prevalent. Sulphate of copper is a substance which in itself 

 acts as a quick emetic and irritant and therefore its presence in food products 

 must be looked upon as undesirable. 



"Copper sulphate is irritant or mildly escharotic ; and when in dilute solu- 

 tion, stimulant and astringent. At one time it was given in epilepsy and other 

 nervous diseases ; but at present it is never used internally, except for its influ- 

 ence upon the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. In chronic diarrhoea with 

 ulceration it is often a useful remedy. In doses of 5 grains it acts as a power- 

 ful, prompt emetic, without causing general depression or much nausea, but it 

 is too irritant to be used freely. 



"A dose of copper sulphate as an astringent is a quarter of a grain (16 milli- 

 grams), as an emetic 5 grains (330 milligrams)." (United States Dispensatory, 

 18th edition, p. 468.) 



It is claimed by some manufacturers, chemists, and hygienists that copper 

 sulphate, when added to green vegetables, forms compounds which are harm- 

 less to health. 



Pending investigations which are now making, all food products colored 

 with sulphate of copper, or to which sulphate of copper has been added for 

 any purpose, should contain upon the label a statement in English, in letters 

 not smaller than long primer caps, as follows: "Colored with sulphate of cop- 

 per," or if preferred, " Prepared with sulphate of copper." A statement of 

 the quantity of copper, if any, which may be permitted in food products under 

 the provisions of the law is reserved until further study of the question can be 

 made. 



Food products artificially colored with other substances than sulphate of cop- 

 per should bear upon the label, in letters of the size described above, the legend 

 "Artificially colored," or if the manufacturer prefers, the statement "Colored 

 with anilin dye," or whatever dye stuff may be used. 



Manufactured food products in which glucose (sugar made by hydrolysis with 

 an acid or otherwise from starch) has been used instead of sugar, or for other 

 purposes, should bear upon the label in English, in letters of the size above 

 mentioned, "Prepared with glucose " or some statement of similar import. The 

 glucose which is used must be free from arsenic or other injurious substances. 



