BORIC ACID IN BUTTER

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2003, 10 March 1914, Page 8

BORIC ACID IN BUTTER

&IPICT AAIERICAN LAW,

WARNING TO DAIIIY FAIUIERS. • v Tho .;strict prohibition-against tlio use <lf preservative in butter enforced "by tlio Federal Food and Drugs Department under tho lnw of tHo United States recently caused tho condemnation of two consignments of New Zealand butter. Tho reason given for tlio decision .against this butter was that ;it.-contained "definite traces of boric acid,'." , ;' In view of tho developing trade with tlio "United States, exporters of butter , (tho "New Zealand Herald" says) are giving some attention to tho necessity' .'of" protecting themselves -against "tho loss involved by tho condemnation of- shipments in which tho presence'of preservatives is detected by the Federal olficcrs.

No finality has yet been reached in the controversy regarding the effect of "adding boracic acid to butter as a preservative. In tho meantime the law of Now Zealand permits tho uso of not more than 38 grains per pound, and a certain percentage is allowed in butter manufactured for the English market. On tho other_hand, tho. American law will not permit tho importation of but.tervCoutaiiiing any preservative other than salt.:Tho big port of Seattle, Washington,.'is at present probably tho largest consumer of Australian and Now Zealand produce, and it happened that, when tho first consignment of 10,000 boxes was condemned on its arrival on November. 15, thero had been a great deal of speculation, the colonial butter liad been selling at a loss, and the withdrawal of this quantity eased tho position ior a number of "jobbers." Tho second consignment of '100 boxes was condemned towards the end of January. Tho condemnation of these two con.sigmnerits is' not evidence of any attempt, to evado the Federal lav,-, for other shipments have- mot tho same fate, and manufacturers in New Zealand are fully awarp of tho necessity for a 'scrupulous caro to .meet .the requirements of a , law that is enforced to the very letter.

Special' precautions arc now being taken.by somo manufacturers to guard against the introduction of preservative, throiißh its uso by suppliers, and by analysing in turn the raw produce, tho manufactured 'article, and finally by obtaining a Government grader's certificate' of its freedom from any of the boron compounds. Although no general 'action has yet.ybeen taken, it is probable that efforts will bo made to secure an arrange,ment by which tlio Federal officers' will accept certificates'from tho factory and a Government grader that tho butter is freo from preservatives; .' '..■■•■■.•■

Exporters are agreed that while the law stands thero should bo some guar-" antee against the condemnation.of shipments, which can. then only bo sent-to Canada or returned to New Zealand a loss being incurred whichever course is followed. Apparently the reputation of Is ew. Zealand produce is not in any clangor, oven in the American market, from tho condemnation of shipments owing, to preservatives, as the effect of the law is properly appreciated in ,tho trade,, but the risk to exporters of direct loss on condemned butter is a serious matter. ■