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
Poplar 1903
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Poplar, Metropolitan Borough]
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96
FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS.
The results of the analyses of 373 samples were reported to the Committee during the year 1903, the samples being as follows:—
| 1st Quarter. | 2nd Quaiter. | 3rd Quarter. | 4th Quarter. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk | 41 | 29 | 32 | 38 | 140 |
| Butter | 31 | 26 | 28 | 24 | 109 |
| Bread . | 2 | 1 | .. | . . | 3 |
| Coffee | 7 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 36 |
| Cocoa | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 35 |
| Sugar | 1 | .. | • • | .. | 1 |
| Pepper | 2 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| Mustard | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Vinegar | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 12 |
| Sweets | 3 | .. | .. | .. | 3 |
| Lard | .. | 3 | .. | .. | 3 |
| Arrowroot | .. | 1 | .. | 1 | 2 |
| Cheese | .. | .. | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Coffee and Chicory | .. | .. | .. | 1 | 1 |
| Ground Ginger | .. | .. | .. | 1 | 1 |
| Cod Liver Oil | .. | •• | •• | 2 | 2 |
| 97 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 373 |
Of these 373 samples, 26 were found to be so adulterated that legal proceedings were instituted.
| Milk | 16 |
| Butter | 7 |
| Vinegar | 1 |
| Coffee | 1 |
| Cod Liver Oil.. | 1 |
| 26 |
The Analyst reported: —
"I have analysed a total of 376 samples, 3 of which were
obtained from a private source and the remainder from the Council's
Officers; of this number 31 were found to be adulterated, equal
to 8.2 per cent."