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
City of London 1923
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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The percentage of samples infected with the tubercle bacillus is by far the lowest recorded since 1904, when these investigations were commenced in the City, particulars of which are detailed below:—
| Year. | Percentage showing Tuberculous Infection. | Year. | Percentage showing Tuberculous Infection. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1904 | 7.7 per cent. | 1913 | 10.4 per cent. | ||
| 1905 | 9.1 „ | 1914 | 10.2 „ | ||
| 1906 | 8.0 „ | 1915 | 8.5 „ | ||
| 1907 | 8.3 „ | 1917 | 4.2 „ | ||
| 1st series | 1909 | 12.5 „ | 1919 | 14.8 „ | |
| 2nd series | 4.7 „ | 1921 | 24. 2 „ | 1st series. | |
| 1910 | 6.25 „ | 26.3 „ | 2nd „ | ||
| 1912 | 6.6 „ | 12.5 „ | 3rd „ | ||
| 1922 | 9.5 „ | ||||
| 1923 | 2.6 „ |
In the case of the infected sample the usual procedure was followed of notifying
the Medical Officer of the London County Council. A subsequent communication
was received to the effect that the animals at the farm from which the milk was
received had been examined. These enquiries elicited the fact that one animal had
been slaughtered a fortnight previous to the inspector's visit, on account of certain
suspicious symptoms, but that the remaining 60 animals were found to be free from
evident signs of disease.
IMPORTED DUTCH MILK.
Samples of new milk imported into this country from Holland were taken in
April and submitted to the Public Analyst, who reported thereon as follows:—
Fat 2.38 per cent.
Solids not fat 8.68 ,,
Water 88.94 ,,
100.00
"The sample was deficient in fat to the extent of 20 per cent. of the original. No preservatives
could be detected. The absence of preservatives and the fact that less than half per
cent. of cream rose to the surface on standing, point to the milk having been sterilized."
From the above it will be seen that the milk was 20 per cent. deficient in fat,
containing no trace of preservatives and was probably sterilized. This latter,
doubtless, accounted for the importers' statement that the milk would keep
for several days.
It is not within the power of the Corporation to take action in connection with
imported milk until after it has left the quay and been released for sale. The
supervision is within the jurisdiction of the Commissioners of Customs. In these
circumstances, therefore, the facts were forwarded to the Customs Authorities,
and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture were notified of the circumstances.
REGISTRATION STATISTICS.
Number of Retail Purveyors of Milk on the Register at the end of 1923:—
Transferred from Old Register 284
New Applications 50
Total 334
Number of Milksellers (other than Retail Purveyors of Milk) on the
Register at the end of 1923:—
Transferred from Old Register Nil.
New Applications Nil.
Number of Inspections of Premises at which Milk is retailed 751
g