emetic and irritant, and therefore its presence in food products must be looked upon as undesirable.
Copper sulfate is irritant or mildly escharotic, and, when in dilute solution, 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 influence upon the gastro-intestinal mucous
membrane. In chronic diarrhea with ulceration it is often a useful remedy. In doses of
5 grains it acts as a powerful, prompt emetic, without causing general depression or much
nausea, but it is too irritant to be used freely.
A dose of copper sulfate as an astringent is a quarter of a grain (16 milligrams); 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 sulfate
when added to green vegetables, forms compounds which are harmless to health.
Pending investigations which are now making, all food products colored with sulfate of copper, or to which sulfate 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 sulfate of copper," or, if preferred, "Prepared with sulfate 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 sulfate of copper 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.
(b) GLUCOSE.
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.
(c) FOODS PREPARED WITH OIL.
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 statement to that effect should be made upon the label.
This regulation in regard to labeling will go in effect on March 16, 1905. Importers are requested to immediately acquaint their agents in foreign countries with this ruling, in order that the proper preparation of the labels may be secured.
(F. I. D. 6.)
STYLE OF LABEL REQUIRED FOR IMPORTED FOODS.
[Note size of type.]
PREPARED WITH GLUCOSE.
COLORED WITH SULFATE OF COPPER.
ARTIFICIALLY COLORED.
