216 



ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



net Aveight either Vv^as not stated on the package or else Avas wrongly 

 stated. Also ninneroiis investigations have been undertaken to de- 

 termine the variation in the quantity of the contents of packages of 

 food as the result of the process of packing, as Avell as from shrinkage 

 in storage and transportation. Such investigations are necessary for 

 the effective enforcement of the net Aveight amendment. 



A very extensive investigation, conducted through two seasons 

 in various sections of the country, to determine the proper fill 

 of cans of fruits and vegetables was carried to a successful con- 

 clusion. Based upon the results of this work, announcements of 

 weights which are representative of properly filled cans have been 

 made in the case of peas, unpitted cherries, Avax and refugee beans, 

 and peaches. 



Food Inspection Decision 180 removed from the list of permitted 

 colors certain ones which had been found unsuitable. 



The number of pounds of straight dyes for Avhich certification was 

 asked during the year is as f oIIoavs : Amaranth, 36,753 ; Butter Yel- 

 low, 3,802 ; Butter Yellow AB, 333 ; Ervthrosine, 732 ; Indigo Disulfo 

 Acid, 1,317; Light Green SF Yellowish, none; Naphthol Yellow S, 

 905; Orange I, 17,142; Ponceau 3 R, 11.832; Sudan I, 2,041; Tartra- 

 zine, 38,295. Certification was also asked for 4,750 pounds of re- 

 packed straight dyes and 97,241 pounds of color mixtures. 



Table 2 gives the distribution of the official samples examined 

 by the various field stations. In addition, thousands of shipments 

 were examined, hundreds of which involved a preliminary labora- 

 tory examination not reported in the table. 



