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These Regulations were amended by the Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations, 1917,
so as to limit the boric acid and borax which may be added to cream containing 35 per cent. or
more of fat, to an amount not exceeding 0.4 per cent. by weight of the cream. These amending
Regulations also provide that the declaratory label must state that the cream is not suitable for
infants or invalids.
On the grounds that the addition of preservatives in any quantity to cream is unnecessary, the
Council have taken no action under these Regulations.
In all cases of milk and cream samples submitted to the Public Analyst, an examination for
preservatives is made, and if any be found, the Public Health Committee consider the question of
instituting proceedings under the Food and Drugs Act, even though in the case of borax or boric
acid in cream the amount found be less than that allowed by the amending Regulations.
Food Stalls..—In certain streets in the Borough, but particularly in Portobello Road and
Golborne Road, a considerable trade is carried on in food which is sold from costermongers
barrows and from stalls. The barrows and stalls are regularly inspected in the daytime and
occasional visits are paid on Saturday nights. Generally speaking, no fault can be found with
either the quality or the freshness of foodstuffs sold by street traders; but there is, of course, no
means of ascertaining where the food is stored at nights and on Sundays. It is important that
street traders should be registered and that by-laws, giving wide powers to local authorities, should
be made, with a view to safeguarding the public health.
Food Poisoning.—On October 9th, a resident in South Kensington died shortly after
admission to Hospital, and at the post-mortem examination it was ascertained that death was due
to food poisoning. The circumstances surrounding the case were carefully investigated by the
Westminster Coroner, the Ministry of Health and Officers of the Kensington and Chelsea Public
Health Departments, and, as a result, it was generally concluded that the article responsible for
the poisoning was a portion of imported ox kidney purchased from a shop in the Borough of
Chelsea, situated in close contiguity to Kensington. A quarter of a pound of kidney was purchased
on October 7th, and was taken by deceased at his evening meal on the same day. The illness
commenced on the following morning and the man died within 36 hours of the onset of the illness.
On visiting the butcher's shop after the facts came to light, the Chelsea Health Officers ascertained
that the whole consignment of ox kidney had been sold. As it was possible that Kensington
residents in the neighbourhood may have made purchases from the consignment, a communication
was addressed to various Kensington doctors practising in the neighbourhood of the butcher's
shop, but in no case was evidence obtained that any patient was suffering from symptoms which
could be attributed to food poisoning.
SUPPLY OF MILK FOR EXPECTANT AND NURSING MOTHERS AND FOR
INFANTS.
On May 4th, 1920, the Council adopted a scheme, since approved by the Minister of Health,
for the distribution of milk to expectant and nursing mothers and infants under the age of five
years. Those in necessitatis circumstances are the only persons for whom a supply cf milk at less
than cost price can be granted—with this restriction in operation all expenditure incurred by the
Council is eligible for the Government 50 per cent. grant.
The following is an outline of the scheme:—
Supply of Fresh Milk Free or at Less Than Cost Price.

2. Application must be made on a special form, the information required must be given
completely and accurately and the form must be signed by the father (if he be dead or living away
from home the mother's signature will be accepted).
3. (a) When the mother or child is in attendance at a Welfare Centre, the application form
is handed to the Superintendent of the Institution, who certifies that the family is in need of
assistance to obtain additional milk. The application is endorsed by the Medical Officer of the
Welfare Centre and forwarded to the Medical Officer of Health.
(b) Applications made within 10 days after confinement are endorsed by the Midwife
and forwarded direct to the Medical Officer of Health.
(c) Mothers not known at and unable to attend a Welfare Centre communicate with the
Borough Health Visitors, who assist in making the application.