Watery milk

Charles Smith, a milk seller in Buntingford, was tried before the court of Summary Jurisdiction on the 19th of February 1904.

Smith was accused of selling “an article of food which was not of the nature, substance and quality of the article of food demanded” by the customer, Robert Robertson.

Smith had sold to Robertson on 10th of January, a pint of milk which when analysed by the public office was revealed to consist of 21% added water.

The Court concluded that the unlawful sale of the watered down milk warranted a fine for Smith. Smith had to pay Ten Shillings and Sixpence to the Clerk at the Court and seventeen shillings to Robertson. The combined fines, if paid today, would be equal to £140.