Proposed regulations governing the labeling of imported food products. [Artificial coloring matter (especially sulphate of copper), glucose, and foods "Prepared with oil."]

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Main Lib.

Agric.

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United States Department of Agriculture,

BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY.— Circular No. 21.
H. W. WILEY. Chief of Bureau.

PROPOSED REGULATIONS WOVERNINO THE LABELING OF IMPORTED

FOOD PRODUCTS.

[Artificial coloring matter (especially sulphate of copper), glucose, and foods

"Prepared with oil."]

In addition to the suggestions to importers of food products, as set
forth in Circular No. 18 of the Bureau of Chemistry, the following pro-
posed regulations, rendered advisable by conditions revealed in the
inspection of imported foods, are submitted for the information of
importers and their agents:

The use of sulphate of copper as a coloring matter in certain green vegetables
has become quite prevalent. Sulphate of copper is a substance which in itself
acts as a quick emetic and irritant and therefore its presence in food products
must be looked upon as undesirable.

"Copper sulphate is irritant or mildly escharotic ; and when in dilute solu-
tion, stimulant and astringent. At one time it was given in epilepsy and other
nervous diseases ; but at present it is never used internally, except for its influ-
ence upon the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. In chronic diarrhoea with
ulceration it is often a useful remedy. In doses of 5 grains it acts as a power-
ful, prompt emetic, without causing general depression or much nausea, but it
is too irritant to be used freely.

"A dose of copper sulphate as an astringent is a quarter of a grain (16 milli-
grams), as an emetic 5 grains (330 milligrams)." — (United States Dispensatory,
18th edition, p. 468.)

It is claimed by some manufacturers, chemists, and hygienists that copper
sulphate, when added to green vegetables, forms compounds which are harm-
less to health.

Pending investigations which are now making, all food products colored
with sulphate of copper, or to which sulphate of copper has been added for
any purpose, should contain upon the label a statement in English, in letters
not smaller than long primer caps, as follows: "Colored with sulphate of cop-
per," or if preferred, " Prepared with sulphate of copper." A statement of
the quantity of copper, if any, which may be permitted in food products under
the provisions of the law is reserved until further study of the question can be
made.

Food products artificially colored with other substances than sulphate of cop-
per should bear upon the label, in letters of the size described above, the legend
"Artificially colored," or if the manufacturer prefers, the statement "Colored
with anilin dye," or whatever dye stuff may be used.

Manufactured food products in which glucose (sugar made by hydrolysis with
an acid or otherwise from starch) has been used instead of sugar, or for other
purposes, should bear upon the label in English, in letters of the size above
mentioned, "Prepared with glucose " or some statement of similar import. The
glucose which is used must be free from arsenic or other injurious substances.

In countries where olive 'oil is the common edible oil the expression on food
products "Prepared with oil" or " Packed in oil" will be construed to mean
olive oil. Where a mixture of oils is used, or another oil than olive oil, a state-
ment to that effect should be made upon the label.

This regulation in regard to labeling will go into effect on February 2, 1905.
Importers are requested to immediately acquaint their agents in foreign coun-
tries with this ruling, in order that the proper preparation of the labels may be
secured.

H. W. WILEY,

Chief, Bureau of Chemistry.
Approved :

JAMES WILSON,

Secretary of Agriculture.

WASHINGTON, D. C., November 17, 1904.

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