The action of weak acids on soluble fluorides

Abstract

THE fluorides of the alkali metals have recently come into prominence as suggested preservatives for articles of food. I n Reports to the Local Government Board by Drs. MacFadden and Monier-Williams (Food Reports No. 17 and Report on the Work of Inspectors of Foods for the year 1912-13) reference is made to one or two preparations of this nature advertised under proprietary names, with the statement that the preservative is of a perf ect 1 y harmless character. As, so fax, these preservatives have been found mainly in milk, cream, and butter, the action, if any, of lactic acid upon soluble fluorides becomes a matter of some importance. With a view to obtaining information on this point, as a preliminary experiment, some pure concentrated lactic acid was allowed to act upon a little