Medical science has .condemned so many forms of preservative for
food as harmful to health that the Minister of Health has done well to decide to prohibit these preservatives at the New Year. The Times says that a few manufacturers were so sure that the proposed Order would be postponed that they have kept large stocks of preserved food on their hands. The manu: facturers and retailers, however, have had plenty of time to make their plans, as the Order was framed a year ago. No one can justly complain if he is caught out now. The retailers are in many cases demanding guarantees from the manufacturers, but some of the largest stores always have their own analysts and they will thus have additional protection. The large stores which have refrigerating appliances will be less troubled than the smaller shops by the new regulation. It is suggested that some kinds of tinned fruit, which has hitherto had a high colour, will be scarcely recognizable in future. Butter and cream arc more often treated with preservatives than other kinds of fresh food. The result of the Order will probably be the expediting of dairy supplies. * * *
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