This report, published by the Ministry of Health in 1927, examines statements that have appeared in various medical and trade journals at the time, relating to the presence of particles of glass in certain foods and beverages which are put up in glass containers, and particular prominence has been given to the dangers which it is alleged attend the use of such containers for foods. Cut mouths and tongues, gastric and intestinal ulcers, and appendicitis and cancer are mention in this connection, and various theories have been advanced in regard to the two last-mentioned diseases to explain how the contamination of foods with glass may be accountable for their increasing prevalence. In some cases the authors of these statements deny the suggestion that broken or powdered glass is a common cause of appendicitis or a likely cause of cancer; but admit the potential dangers and competent opinion has been expressed that finely powdered glass could be easily administered without detection in some foods and this might be capable of producing serious symptoms and even death. In view of the extent of the trade in glass-packed foods, it seemed desirable to ascertain how far, if at all, these statements could be substantiated, therefore, this report details the authors findings into his enquires into the subject.
