The enactment of the National Pure Food Law in 1906 did much toward
awakening an interest in the purity of Foods and Drugs, and while it has
been beneficial in a general way, it has had its disadvantages because
it is not complete.
The people have been taught by the laws and the Pure Food propagandists
to believe that the word “Pure” upon a package ensures that its contents
are all right. Nothing can be further from the truth.
An article may be Pure and yet be of very Poor Quality; Purity means
little. Quality means much. For instance, a Keifer pear is a Pure pear,
yet in Quality it cannot be compared to the Bartlett pear. Consider the
difference in the quality of butter. Take a number of samples of butter
and you will find that some of them will be unfit to eat, and others a
delight to use, yet they are all Pure butter, and the difference is in
the Quality. The tobacco in a “five-for-a-nickel” stogie may be a Pure
tobacco, but it cannot be placed in a class with that of an imported
Havana cigar selling at twenty-five cents.
A Spice may be Pure, and yet come from a country known to produce
inferior Spices. It may be Pure and yet inert. Consider the difference
in Quality between Acheen Pepper and Tellicherry. They are both Pure
peppers.
A Vanilla Flavoring Extract made from rank Tahiti Beans costing $1.50 a
pound is a pure Extract of Vanilla, but how does its quality compare
with that made from high-grade Mexican beans, costing $6.00 a pound? So
it goes all down the line.
[Illustration: McCormick’s Bee Brand Celery and Salt]
The time is coming when consumers will realize that the important thing
to look for in the purchasing of foodstuffs is not the word “Pure”—but
the name of the reputable manufacturer whose dealings are beyond
reproach.
THE COLANNADE
1332-1339 MT. ROYAL AVENUE
Baltimore, Md., Dec. 1, 1914.
Messrs. McCormick & Co.
Baltimore, Md.
Gentlemen: For twenty years past I’ve been using Bee Brand Extracts and
Spices, and ever since you’ve added Teas to your products, I’ve used
Banquet Blend.
It’s the finest tea I know of and it pleases all our guests.
If you care to use this letter, you have my permission.
Yours very truly,
The Colannade,
M. E. McConn.