FOOD 571 



Butter. 



Butter may be adulterated by : adding an excessive amount of 



water, 

 reducing its fat content, 

 adding milk or milk powder. 



Artificial colouring is allowed, as also are some preservatives. 



Excess of water is commonest, and may be present as the result 



of 



Carelessness in making, by having too high a temperature when 

 churning or to deliberate intention. 



12-14 P^r cent, is not excessive. 16 per cent, should constitute 

 grounds for prosecution. 



If there is more than i per cent, of curd suspect added milk, and 

 test for milk sugar. 



Foreign fats are frequently added. Those usually employed are 

 lard, beef fat, cotton-seed oil and cocoanut oil, or a combination of 

 these. Artificial preparations, containing tributyrin or triacetin in 

 alcoholic solution, are even added to make up for the increase in 

 volatile fatty acids caused by the use of animal fats. 



Special works must be consulted for their detection. 



For butter analysis, see Laboratory Hints. 



For preservatives and their excesses, see p. 574. 



SOME MORBID CONDITIONS CAUSED BY FOOD. 



Scurvy. — This disease is probably due to a deficiency of fresh 

 vegetables and fruits; it is known as a deficiency disease. 



Partial decomposition of preserved foods and a damp, low-lying 

 locality may also be predisposing factors. 



The symptoms are due to blood changes causing : marked debility, 

 sallow complexion, swollen, spongy and ulcerated gums, effusion and 

 haemorrhage into the joints, accompanied by foul ulcers and dysentery. 

 The condition should be corrected by giving fresh lemon or lime juice, 

 fresh vegetables, fruits, potatoes, yams, green vegetables and yeast. 



Rickets. — This is probably due to a deficiency of fat and protein 

 with excess of starches in children's diet, and is hence known as a 

 deficiency disease. 



Artificial starchy foods cannot be digested by infants. 



Intestinal Disorders. — These are caused by decomposed and mouldy 

 grains. Such should be always condemned as unfit for human con- 

 sumption. 



Beriberi. — This is in all probability a deficiency disease usually 

 found amongst rice-eating peoples. The essential vitamines are con- 

 tained in the rice polishings which are so often rejected. 



For details, see article on Beriberi. 



