298 



Preservatives in Milk. 



[AUG., 



objectionable, on account of the alterations effected by formalin 

 in the character of certain of the constituents of milk and of its- 

 ability to interfere directly w ith digestive processes. 



Although in the view of the Committee boron preservatives 

 might reasonably be employed in the case of certain foods, 

 within defined limits and subject to a declaration as to their 

 presence and amount, the Committee recommended their 

 exclusion from milk altogether ; partly for the reasons above 

 indicated, and partly also in consideration of the immense 

 importance of pure milk for the nutrition of infants, invalids, 

 and convalescents, and of the comparatively large quantity of 

 milk which may be taken, particularly by children, in com- 

 parison with the other foods in question. Moreover the 

 Committee had evidence " pointing to an injurious effect of 

 boracised milk upon the health of very young children." 



Since the report of the Committee was made the Board have 

 from time to time had before them further evidence on the 

 subject, and this supports the conclusions of the Committee not 

 only as to the objections to the use of preservatives on the- 

 ground of public health, but also as to the ability of milk traders- 

 to conduct their business without use of preservatives. Thus 

 in certain boroughs in London and elsewhere in which milk 

 samples are systematically tested for preservatives, the presence 

 of preservatives in milk, at any time of the year, has been found 

 to be exceptional ; and there is evidence to show that a very 

 large number of milk vendors conduct their business without 

 the use of these substances, even where the milk comes long 

 distances by rail. 



In some districts action under the Sale of Food and Drugs 

 Acts has been frequently and successfully taken in order to 

 bring about the disuse of preservatives in milk. Proceedings 

 instituted against vendors of milk containing preservatives have 

 usually been taken under Section 6 of the Sale of Food and 

 Drugs Act, 1875. Conviction has followed, it being held that 

 when the purchaser who asks for milk is supplied with milk 

 plus a preservative he does net receive an article of the nature 

 substance and quality demanded, and is prejudiced thereby. 



The Board are of opinion that action under the Sale of Food 

 and Drugs Acts in regard to preservatives in milk is desirable^ 



