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14. An increased number of samples were examined as compared with the previous year. It is to be regretted that even now the amount of Food & Drug work done under the Ordinance is far below that which is necessary for a Colony of this size. At least 3,000 samples per year should be examined.
The reason for so few samples being submitted is due, probably to the state of the Regulations covering the sale of Food & Drugs. During 1985 the only foodstuff with a defined standard was milk.
The present unsatisfactory state of affairs will no doubt be materially improved when the Sale of Foods & Drugs Ordinance 1936 and its attendant Regulations become operative.
15. The abnormally high percentage of adulteration found in the tea samples is due to the demand for a low-priced tea. Also amongst the lower classes tea stalk is a recognised commodity and several of the samples, reported as adulterated, consisted entirely of stalk.
Water Samples.
16. During the year the regular routine examinations of the local water supplies were carried out and again it is to be reported that they were above reproach.
17. In connection with the water supplies samples from one district suddenly showed a large increase in the free ammonia figures. On enquiry, it was found that the Water Authorities had been experimenting with a chlorinating method which involved the presence of ammonium salts.
18. Besides routine examinations, numerous samples were analysed after complaints had been made by consumers. On one occasion the contamination was found to be lead. The source of the lead was traced to the paint which had been used for the protection of the storage tank.
Dangerous Goods.
19. These were samples of oils from lighters etc. for flash point, and explosives for identification in connection with the enforcement of the Ordinance.
Bio-chemical Examinations.
Blood urea nitrogen 91 Blood for blood sugar 17 Samples. chloride 14 Urine 77 Calculii 1 Stool 48 22 Total 132 Samples. 16 14The table was reorganised to better represent the original data.
The last two rows with numbers 16 and 14 are placed at the end as they seem out of place in the original table structure.