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
Barking 1930
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
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67
the product often being the same. It has been suggested that a
minimum of 8 per cent butter fat and not less than 18 per cent
total milk solids should be the standard of composition.
In view of the increasing general consumption, I am of opinion
the time has arrived when standards of cleanliness and chemical
composition should be enacted, together with the registration of
producers and distributors, as in the case of milk supplies. Such
legislation would increase public confidence in the article and would
enable Authorities to remove from business the unscrupulous and
dirty trader, and would materially assist the conscientious vendor
in distributing a safe and valuable foodstuff.
I earnestly advise the Council to initiate or support any action
directed to this purpose.
Herewith I submit the results of bacteriological examinations of ice-cream during the year.
| Sample No. | B. Count. | B. Coli |
|---|---|---|
| 83 | 20,100 | Absent in 1 c.c. |
| 84 | 19,400 | ditto |
| 85 | 12,600,000 | Present in 0.00001 c.c. |
| 86 | 27,000 | Absent in 0.1 c.c. |
In view ol the fact that ice-cream is prepared in a manner
similar to that of pasteurised milk, I see no reason why a similar
standard of cleanliness should not be instituted.
Pasteurised milk should not contain more than 100,000 bacteria
per cubic centimetre, with an absence B. Coli in a like quantity.
This is the standard adopted by large manufacturers in this country
and recommended in the United States of America.
40. ADULTERATION, ETC.
The Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, and kindred
Acts and Regulations are administered in this district by the Essex
County Council.