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

Coulsdon and Purley 1963

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Coulsdon]

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Food and Drugs Analysis
During the year a total of 141 samples of food and drugs
including 41 milk samples were purchased for the purpose of
analysis by the Public Analyst.

Table: Unsound FoodThe following is a list of foodstuffs which after inspection were classified as unfit for human consumption and destroyed at the Council's refuse destructor at Kenley.

Unsound Food

The following is a list of foodstuffs which after inspection were classified as unfit for human consumption and destroyed at the Council's refuse destructor at Kenley.

tonscwts.lbs.
Fresh Fruit and Veg98
Sugar, Jams, etc7
Tinned Goods280
Meat, Bacon, etc515
Fish255
Frozen Foods277
Miscellaneous55
Total1273
Fruit Juices12 pints

Table: Adverse reports were received on 10 samples as follows:—

Adverse reports were received on 10 samples as follows:—

Sample No.Nature of adulteration or irregularityAction taken
Formal Sample No. 594 EVAPORATED FRUIT SALADThe ingredients were not specified on the label in the order of the proportion in which they were used, as is required by the Labelling of Food Order, 1953.Representations were made to the Merchants concerned and explanation accepted.
Formal Sample No. 609 VEGETABLE MACEDOINEThe ingredients of the tin were not specified on the label in the order of the proportions in which they were used.Steps taken to prevent a recurrence.
Formal Sample No. 613 PEASThe article was described on the packet as peas and the contents were stated to be: peas, preservative (sulphur dioxide). In fact, the article was a form of dried peas.Label amended.
Formal Sample No. 665 MEAT PASTYThe filling of this article consisted of two small pieces of meat together with potatoes and a little onion and would be correctly described as a meat and vegetable pasty. A reasonable minimum meat content for such an article would be 12½ per cent.Enquiry revealed misdescription by Shop Assistant. Attention of Vendor directed to the report of the Food Standards Committee on Meat Pies.