Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1926-06-19
OPEN LETTER
ADDRESSED TO
STATE GAMERS
Health Department Warns Against
Use OF Unwholesome Fruit And
Vegetables In Packing
SAY LAW MUST AND
WILL BE ENFORCED

To the end that ignorance of the
law may not be pleaded as an excuse
by those who may be apprehended in
its violation, The State Department of
Health deems it important to address
the Gamers and the growers of can
ming crops of Maryland, calling their
attention to the Acts Of the Legisla-
ture of 1890, 1910, 1914 and 1920.
These acts" said A. L. Sullivan,
Chief of the State Bureau of Food
and Drugs:
prohibit the sale of deconposed
and unwholesome or otherwise 'adul-
terated food products, require good
sanitary conditions in food producing
establishments, such as canneries,
and prohibit the adulteration of can
ned tomatoes with water, skin and
core juice, pulp or other substitutes.
"Canneries are subject to regular
inspection and are required to comply
with the law. Gamers are urged to
improve sanitary conditions where
necessary, and to provide pure water
supply for canning processes and for
their employees. Where living quar-
tiers for employees are provided it is
required that such living quarters
shall be in a dry, well-drained location
Sanitary toilets, cleaned regularly,
must be available, together with a
regular garbage disposal system.
Cannery waste must be disposed of in
such a manner as not to create nui-
sances nor pollute streams.
The laws of Maryland prohibit the
sale of fresh fruits and vegetables
which are decomposed, mouldy or
otherwise unwholesome. Anyone sell
ing such fruits or vegetables which
are rotten, nouldy, worm infested or
otherwise unfit for human consump-
lion, in whole or in part, violates the
State Food Laws and subjects himself
to prosecution.
"The inspectors of the Department
are now preparing for the work they
are to do in the canneries and among
the growers of canning crops of Mary
land during the coming season. The
Department asks for them the atten-
ton which, as officers of the law, they
are entitled to receive. 1t expects each
inspector to be courteous and frank
in calling to the attention Of either
Gamers or growers any Objectionable
conditions found.
"As to the State food laws, the De-
partment is without choice, solemnly
pledged to their enforcement. 1t must
and will enforce them. Gamers may
greatly add to the usefulness and eff
cheney of the Department by coopera-
ton with its constructive purposes
and by making known such illicit and
unfair practices as may come to their
attention so that they may be investi-
gated and removed.
"The Department urges that spir-
it of cooperation be maintained be-
tween growers and Gamers to- the end
that the reputation of Maryland can
ned foods will be greatly increased,
and the industry made prosperous.
Many thinking persons connected with
the canning idustry believe that
Maryland Gamers must take step
forward and establish a reputation
for quality if the industry is to grow
and maintain its markets. Every year
brings increasing competition from
progressive States which are enlarg-
ing their canning industry.
ut is hoped that Gamers will COM
ply fully with the law and take pro-
gressive steps for the betterment of
Sieba industry"