OFFICIAL INSPECTIONS 35. I27 



tories, however, have apparently led to the common idea that 

 the sardine factories are at the bottom in the scale of cleanli- 

 ness. Unsatisfactory toilet facilities were in a few cases ob- 

 served and in one or two instances disagreeable odors from the 

 pickling room were caused by unnecessary accumulations of 

 fish refuse in corners and along the sides of the room. 



In a few of the bottling establishments where sodas are pre- 

 pared no attempts at screening were found and, during the sum- 

 mer months, the flies were intolerable. Indeed, in some of the 

 samples of bottled sodas which have been taken by the inspect- 

 ors dead flies have been found. In one bottling place, in a base- 

 ment, there was a toilet in one corner with no attempt whatever 

 at separation from the rest of the room. Some of the floors, 

 also, were found very dirty and the place cluttered with empty 

 bottles, cases and barrels in a very untidy manner. 



On the other hand the manufacturers who put out the better 

 class of sodas keep the places scrupulously clean, the finest of 

 spring water and guaranteed colors and flavors are used, re- 

 turned bottles are thoroughly washed and sterilized before 

 being refilled, and in fact everything about the premises and 

 the process of manufacture is as clean and sanitary as possible. 

 Then, after the finished product is ready for distribution, labels 

 in exact accord with fact are always used. 



In Official Inspections 27, issued in November, 1910, contain- 

 ing the results of the investigation of sodas last year, a notice 

 was inserted relative to the use of saccharin in this class of 

 goods. . It was. there stated that in all cases when sacharin was 

 used its presence must be stated upon the label. In spite of this 

 warning several manufacturers were found to be using this 

 artificial sweetener the present year and in each case of this 

 kind prosecution was commenced and a fine was imposed and 

 paid. 



In consequence of the results obtained by a careful study 

 of the effects of saccharin the U. S. Referee Board of Con- 

 sulting Scientific Experts found that this chemical exerts 

 a deleterious effect upon digestion and health and, therefore, 

 its use in all food products is absolutely prohibited under both 

 the National and State food laws after December 31, 191 1. 



The use of benzoate of soda in limited amount is still per- 

 mitted, provided its presence and amount are plainly stated 

 upon the labels of such goods as contain it. Syrups containing 



