POISONED SWEETS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 454, 6 April 1912, Page 3

POISONED SWEETS.

One cannot move in the street 01 enter a public vehicle without being shocked at the sight of children eating dyed sweets and food stuffs which must be damaging to theii young constitutions. Aniline colours are employed for this class of dyeing because they are so cheap. Mr. E. P. Ladd has carried out a number of experiments with these aniline dyes, and protests against their use. A. commission, appointed by the Paris Academy of Medicine,, reported that out of fifty colours examined 15 were found to be clearly poison ous, and twenty were suspected. Professor Behal, says, further, in delivering this report ' "Considering all oi the facts, the Commission is of the opinion that the use of coaltar colours in food products should be forbidden. Such products as bread,, meat, milk, oils, butter, etc. They 3hould also be prohibited in drinks and liquids of daily use—wine, cider beer, etc." Mr. Ladd adds to this "Since the use of coaltar dyes is unnecessary in the preparation of anj food product and has no food value and since it is recognised that ever in minute quantities they may be harmful, although in a few products not enough may be taken to produce death, is it desirable to permit the use of coaltar dyes or aniline coloun •n any article of food ?"