Il6 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I912. 



which is very objectionable to one who has become accustomed 

 to the deHcate flavor of the true vanilla extract. 



In judging of the purity of an extract the chemist has to take 

 into consideration many things ; the amount of vanillin, the 

 amount and character of the resins, the per cent of alcohol, etc., 

 and when these all come within reasonable limits the article is 

 passed. The presence of coumarin or acetanilide at once 

 brands it as artificial. 



SANITATION. 



The attention of the public is again directed to the state- 

 ments published in Official Inspections 39 concerning the pro- 

 tection of food products from the possible dangerous con- 

 tamination of dust and flies. A campaign for the proper 

 protection of food products of all kinds from the dangerous 

 germs which are blown about the street in the dust and carried 

 from filth and disease laden receptacles to the various kinds 

 of foods which are displayed and ofl'ered for sale is wide- 

 spread and important. This feature of the State Food. Law 

 is perhaps the most important to be considered at the present 

 season of the year, and special attention is being given to this 

 feature by the inspectors, and it is hoped that the general 

 public, dealers as well as consumers, will cooperate with the 

 food officials in correcting the evils of this kind which have 

 been widespread and general in the past. 



The inspectors have been instructed to report at this office 

 whenever they find unprotected from dust and flies pastry or 

 any other cooked foods ; confectionery, candies, sweetmeats, 

 etc., of all kinds ; all soft fruits such as strawberries, rasp- 

 berries, blackberries, etc. ; all fruits such as apples, pears, 

 plums, cherries, or any others which are likely to be eaten 

 without the removal of the skin ; and all cuts of meat which 

 are exposed outside of a shop unprotected ; and any other con- 

 ditions which in their opinion should be remedied or improved. 



