Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/500

 482 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

except upon a signed statement showing from whom the milk is purchased, how long it was in transit to the city, where it is stored and how it is sold, etc.; and, in the case of the dairyman, the number, breed, food, and condition of his cows, and how they are housed and watered. ' Any adulterated milk which has been brought into or is held or offered for sale in the city may be seized and destroyed by an inspector on the spot. 2

Of course, all these regulations may become a dead letter if not properly enforced. But in recent years New York, like many other large cities, has been roused to the necessity of protecting its milk supply in the interest of the public health. For it is now a well-demonstrated fact that impure, diseased, or adulterated milk is a common cause of the increase of mortality, particularly among children. At the present time, under Com- missioner Lederle, New York's Department of Health is setting a splendid example to other cities in the efficiency and mainte- nance of its milk inspections. The various inspectors are always making the rounds of the city in their respective districts, and at any time of day the smallest or the largest dealer is liable to have his milk carefully tested by the lactometer, and, where necessary, may be obliged to furnish samples for further analysis. In the summer time, too, when the weather becomes hot and the

favorable, recommend that the permit be granted. If not, notify owners of stores what regulations are violated, and reinspect after two days. If the conditions are then not proper, turn in applications recommending that the application to sell be denied. At same time notify owner to discontinue the sale of milk."

1 Cf. Sanitary Code, sec. 59.

2 The Sanitary Code thus defines the term " adulterated " :

" I. Milk containing more than 80 per cent, of water or fluids.

"2. Milk containing less than 12 per cent, of milk solids.

" 3. Milk containing less than 3 per cent, of fats.

"4. Milk drawn from animals within fifteen days before or five days after partu- rition.

" 5. Milk drawn from animals fed on distillery waste or any substance in a state of fermentation or putrefaction, or any unhealthy food.

"6. Milk drawn from cows kept in a crowded or unhealthy condition.

" 7. Milk from which any part of the cream has been removed.

" 8. Milk which has been mixed with water or any other fluid, or to which has been added, or into which has been introduced, any foreign substance whatever." (Sec. 63.)