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
Lambeth 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lambeth Borough]
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83
sampling of food and drugs
Chemical Analysis
180 samples were procured formally, 155 of which were of
milk, and 1,320 samples were procured informally.
Set out below is a table of samples reported by the Public
Analyst to be adulterated showing action taken in each case.
| Article | Result of Analysis | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Salted peanuts | Rancid | Dealt with as unsound food |
| Dripping | 48% of oleic acid | Warning letter sent. Manufacturer/vendor inter-viewed. Further samples taken found to be genuine |
| Whisky | Contained 3% sugar | Attention of vendor called to adulteration |
| Salted peanuts | Rancid | Formal sample taken |
| Sponge pudding mixture | Infested by flour beetles | Stock inspected and dealt with as unsound food |
| Faggots | Wrapper contained mouse excreta | Prosecution ordered but not proceeded with on technical grounds |
| Sponge pudding mixture | Infested by flour beetles | Stock inspected and dealt with as unsound food. Storage space sprayed with insecticide. Vendor warned |
| Pork sausages | Deficient in meat | Formal sample taken - meat content satisfactory |
| Dripping | Free acid in excess | Vendor warned. Formal sample taken. |
| Pastry | Contained about 10% of sodium carbonate | Considered to be due to accidental addition of Sodium Bicarbonate. Analysis of ingredients showed that they were genuine. |