Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-19
STATE HOUSE
BUREAU OF INSPECTIONS
ANNUAL REPORT, IA.

The report Of A. NJ G. Soule. chief
of the Bureau of Inspections has just
been issued. 1t covers the work of the
bureau from January 1914 to December
81. 1915. In Chief Soule's report
there are many items of interest to
citizens Of the State and parts of the
4 report indicate that Maine in making
rapid advances in pure food regula-
ton.
Seed Inspection.
| The seed analyst visited 1877 princi-
pal cities and towns Of Maine, calling
on 328 dealers and examining 1852
samples of seeds. 'It is gratifying
to note" writes Chief ,Soule, that only
ton and these were eventually passed
Feeding stuffs Inspection.
| In regard to feeding stuffs, the re-
port says in part:
| In general the relations between
the Bureau of Inspections and the
feeding stuffs dealers have been pleas
ant, and feeling of fairness and CO.
operation has been clearly demon
strated by the feeding stuffs manu-
facturers who are shipping their pro.
ducts into this state.
Two hundred and two official feed
ing stuffs samples were drawn by the
inspectors during the year and the re-
suits Of the analyses-together with
the analyses Of those samples submit
ted by dealers-may be found in Of
fetal Inspections No. co."
Fertilizer Inspection.
'On the whole, the fertilizer manu-
facturers and agents have shown a
Willingness to comply with the law
and to protect the dealers handling
their products in this state by the nee
essary registration; their attitude, in
nearly all cases, has been very fair
and businesslike.
THE total number Of samples col
lected and analysed was five hundred
and sixty-six; of this number, Is
bra'ds were not protected by registra
ton and hearings We're arranged with
the dealers with whom the goods were
| found. Upon investigation it was in
most cases proven that the goods had
been shipped direct from the manu-
facturer to the consumer and used for
experimental purposes; such goods-in
accordance with the Interpretation of
the law-require no registration. In
other instances it was found that the
goods were unregistered merely
through an oversight on the part of
the manufacturers, evidently entirely
unintentional.
When. upon analysis, goods were
found untrue to guaranty-which hap
pened in only very few cases-a
report of the anlysis was sent to the
parties responsible, a hearing arrang-
ed, and the parties not excused until a
satisfactory explanation regarding the
deficiency was given"
Drug Inspection.
1.-THE work of drug inspection is not
In any way indicated by the actual
collection Of samples. The inspectors
| nave been constantly IN the alert cx-
| amining labels for examples of mis-
branding and using consistently tie
tabulated form of report for drug
stores which communicates rather
| complete information as 10 the meth
! DDS employed in conducting this line
or business. In answering the ques-
! tons required on this report, the gen.
eral conditions of the store in ques-
ton are noted: the cleanliness Of the
prescription counter; the number OF
registered clerks employed, etc. In
formation is also given as to the
marking of shelf and stock bottles
with the alcohol content, as required
by law. and, if soda fountains are op-
Grated, special report is made re-
| ifaf rlo ~
glasses and other utensils, and the
source of the sirups used, and if pre-
servatives or artificial coloring are
employed, a report of the announce
ment Of this fact.
For the most part. the druggists
manifested a willingness to have
samples taken, thereby securing an
index Of the product they were dis
pensing; with but few exceptions, II
was gratifying to note their attitude
On the whole, they were ready to &C
cept suggestions and showed their in
tention to conform closely with the
spirit and the letter Of the law. The
attempt was made in the settlement of
all such cases to deal impartially and
| fairly, and to effect a satisfactory
agreement; to remedy the conditions
found to exist; to protect the public
and also the dealer. without the dis
agreeable features of court proceed
ings and notoriety, trusting that as
much good could be accomplished in
| that way.
In all, two hundred and fifty-eight
samples Of drugs were collected, and
one hundred and four hearings were
arranged relative to adulteration and
misbranding.
The results of all analyses Of DRUG
samples are to be found in Official In
spections No. 61."
Foods Inspection.
I'm the enforcement of the Food Law
and In the work Of food inspection
the methods adopted were similar to
those employed in the enforcement OF
the drug requirements. namely, along
the lines of education, inspection and
prosecution. and, as stated in regard
to drugs. the collection of samples
represents only in a small way the
amount of work accomplished"
Grocery Stores and Markets.
"The information gathered relative
to dispensing foods in groceries and
markets has been rather complete
The questions on the reports employed
nv the inSDecfOrc If Saticfo cf drill, -