London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Battersea 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]
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30
(B)—SAMPLING OF FOOD AND DRUGS.
The analysis of samples of food and drugs purchased formally
and informally under the Food and Drugs Act is carried out by the
Public Analyst for the Borough, J. E. Woodhead, Esq., B.sc., F.R.I.C.,
PH.C., at his laboratory at 325 Kennington Road, London, S.E. 11.
General bacteriological examination, and the examination of
samples of heat-treated milk and of ice-cream, is carried out by the
Public Health Laboratory Service.
The total number of formal samples taken under the Act during
1955 was 299, of which 9, or 3.0 per cent., were certified to b e
adulterated. In addition, 261 informal samples were procured, of
which 5, or 1.9 per cent., were reported against.
The percentages of samples reported by the Public Analyst to be adulterated during the quinquennia 1921 to 1955 are given in the following table. The year under review is shown separately.
| Year | Formal samples (per cent.) | Informal samples (per cent.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mean 1921—1925 | 6.4 | 7.4 |
| 1926—1930 | 3.3 | 2.4 |
| „ 1931—1935 | 1.8 | 2.1 |
| „ 1936—1940 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| „ 1941—1945 | 1.4 | 1.1 |
| „ 1946—1950 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
| „ 1951—1955 | 2.1 | 2.2 |
| 1955 | 3.0 | 1.9 |
Milk.
One hundred formal samples of milk were taken during the y ear
Of the 100 samples, 20 were designated as "Channel Islands
or " South Devon" milk, for which a higher minimum percental
(viz., 4 per cent.) of milk fat content is provided for under arrangeme nt .
made between the producers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fished
and Food. Nineteen of these samples were reported to be in co ll '
formity with this standard, their average composition being:—
Milk fat
4.26 per cent.
Non-fatty solids
9.05 „
Total milk solids
13.31