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 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]
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31
(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.,
at his laboratory at 325 Kennington Road, London, S.E.ll.
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
1958 was 235, of which 4, or 1.7 per cent., were certified to be
adulterated. In addition, 321 informal samples were procured, all of
which were reported as genuine.
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 years 1956, 1957 and 1958 are 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 |
| 1956 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| 1957 | 0.4 | 2.8 |
| 1958 | 1.7 | 0.0 |
Milk.
Ninety-three formal samples of milk were taken during the year.
Of the 93 samples, 14 were designated as "Channel Islands"
or "South Devon" milk, for which a higher minimum percentage
(viz.,4per cent.) of milk fat content is provided for under arrangements
made between the producers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and food. All of these samples were reported to be in conformity
with this standard, their average composition being:—
Milk fat 4.37 per cent.
Non-fatty solids 9.11 ,,
Total milk solids 13.48 ,,