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55
Food Sampling.
957 samples (370 formal and 587 informal) were sent for analysis, of which three formal
and two informal were found to be adulterated.
Bacteriological Examination of Samples of Milk and Ice Cream.
In addition to the samples of food submitted to the Public Analyst for chemical
examination, a total of 298 samples were submitted either to the Royal Institute of Public
Health and Hygiene, or the Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, for bacteriological
examination.
(a) Milk.
152 samples of milk were taken from dairies and from the London County Council schools
and institutions and day nurseries in the Borough to ascertain whether they complied with
the appropriate regulations relating to specially designated milks.
The samples were subjected to the phosphatase test, which indicates the efficiency of
the method of heat treatment, and the methylene blue test indicating the keeping quality of
the milk. All complied with the phosphatase test, and 148 of the 152 samples proved
satisfactory in regard to the methylene blue test. Appropriate action was taken in the
remaining four cases, and the follow-up samples were satisfactory.

(b) Ice Cream
132 samples of ice cream were submitted for bacteriological examination, of which
99 reached grades 1 or 2 when subjected to the methylene blue reduction test. The improvement
secured during previous years has been maintained and a considerably smaller proportion
of samples fell within grade 4.
Where unsatisfactory samples of ice cream were manufactured outside the Borough
the Medical Officer of Health of the appropriate area was informed to enable him to investigate
the conditions under which the commodity was produced.