Sessional_Paper_1911 — Page 40

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II.

Minute by Colonel W. G. A. Bedford, C.M.G., Principal Medical Officer,

South China Command.

The point raised by the Medical Officer of Health is a very important one in the interest of the infant section of this Colony. Good "Condensed Milk", which legally means condensed whole milk, contains not less than 10 per cent. of fat; and some good brands contain considerably more.

Condensed skimmed milk contains only about 72 per cent. of fat. This amount is totally inadequate for the proper nourishment of children.

The Sale of Food and Drugs Act of 1899, referred to by the Medical Officer of Health, imposes a penalty on any person who shall sell, or offers for sale, impoverished milk, except the same is made up in packages or tins conspicuously marked and indicating that the milk is "Skimmed Milk", printed in large and legible type.

I am very strongly of opinion that similar legislation should be introduced in this Colony at an early date; and that a label, as above, both in English and Chinese be compulsory, to which be added a bilingual notice "Not suitable for infants".

W. G. A. BEDFORD, Colonel, Principal Medical Officer,

South China Command.

Hongkong, 7th March, 1911.

III.

SANITARY BOARD OFFICE, HONGKONG, 15th March, 1911.

Sir, I have the honour, by direction of the Board, to forward the following resolu- tion which was unanimously adopted at a meeting of the Board held on the 14th instant:- That the correspondence relative to condensed skimmed milk be forwarded to

Government for consideration with a view to legislation if necessary."

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2. I attach the correspondence and also forward 3 tins of the milk referred to therein.

I have, &c.,

The Honourable The Colonial Secretary.

W. BOWEN ROWLANDS, Secretary.

IV.

Hon. Principal Civil Medical Officer,-I think an amendment to the Sale of Food and Drugs Ordinance of 1896, on the lines of Section 11 Food and Drugs Act 1899,

with the necessary modifications as to "English and Chinese' infants" would cover the requirements for condensed milk.

梦梦

and "

not suitable for

It would, however, be better-for reasons set forth later-to make an amendment on the lines of Section 95 (a) Liquors Consolidation Ordinance (No. 9 of 1911) giving the Governor-in-Council power to make regulations as to standards of quality for food and drugs. In this connection please see Section 4 Food and Drugs Act 1899, which empowers the Board of Agriculture to make regulations.

Such an amendment is needed urgently. As the Ordinance now stands there are no legal limits for fresh milk; "skimmed milk" is mentioned, but not defined (Section 10). The only substances whose quality is now regulated by law are Brandy, Whisky and Rum (Government Notification No. 65 of 1910).

4th April, 1911.

A. C. FRANKLIN,

Government Analyst,