OFFICIAL INSPFCTIOxNT 21. 4I 



straight cider vinegar, but in altogether too large numbers, as 

 shown by the analysis and subsequent investigation, he was 

 given a substitute. In the summer of 1909 samples of vinegar 

 were again purchased by the deputy, without his making him- 

 self known to the dealer, from quite a number of stores in 

 towns that had not been previously visited. It is gratifying to 

 note that only 4 different lots of vinegar were obtained that 

 were not in accord with the law, and that in three of these 

 instances it was a mistake of the clerk. 



According to the jobbers the sale of distilled vinegars arti- 

 ficially colored in imitation of cider vinegar which were so 

 common in the State five years ago has practically stopped. 

 There has been an increase, however, in the amount of sugar 

 vinegar which is being sold. Sugar vinegar is made from dark 

 colored sugar house syrups or from sugar containing burned 

 sugar (caramel). This so-called sugar vinegar is naturally col- 

 ored because of the impurities so that in appearance it more or 

 less resembles cider vinegar. Sugar vinegar is not as desirable 

 an article as distilled vinegar which it is replacing. It is doubt- 

 ful if any sugar vinegar would be sold if the consumer realized 

 what he w'as getting. In the majority of cases, even though it 

 be lalxded, it is probable that l^ecause of its color the consumer 

 thinks that he is getting cider vinegar. The consumer who 

 does not care for cider vinegar had better purchase uncolored 

 distilled vinegar. Distilled vinegar is free from coloring mat- 

 ter, contains nothing but acetic acid and water, and is suited 

 for table use, and is particularly adapted for keeping pickles. 

 Most people, however, are fond of the flavor of cider vinegar 

 of good quality, and it is now possible in all parts of the State 

 to buy such vinegar. 



While under the standards the word "vinegar" used bv itself 

 in Maine always means apple cider vinegar, it may happen that 

 dealers will deliver sugar vinegar or possibly distilled vinegar 

 artificially colored when only vinegar is asked for. Therefore 

 the person who wants cider vinegar should always be sure and 

 .ask for cider vinegar. 



The results nf ilu' anaK'scs of vinee-ar follow. 



