London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

View report page

Haringey 1965

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Haringey]

This page requires JavaScript

Food Samples

ArticleNo. of Samples ProvidedUnsatisfactory
CompositionLabelling
Angelica2--
Butter4--
Cheese7--
Cherries (Glace)6-2
Coffee (instant)6-2
Colouring Agents7--
Cornflour2--
Custard Powder3--
Drugs24--
Flour6--
Fruit (dried)5--
Jellies6-2
Milk393-
Milk (tinned)3--
Mincemeat9--
Pastes (Potted)14--
Pastry5--
Peas (Tinned)6--
Salmon (Tinned)4-1
Sausages8--
Spices and herbs112-
Suet73-
Tomato Puree (Tinned)42-
188107

The following are details of the unsatisfactory samples:-
Milk. One sample was low in fat content 2.8% compared with a minimum presumptive standard of 3.0%.
Two other samples were deficient in solids not fat 8.4% as against a minimum presumptive standard of
8.5%. None of the samples was bottled in the Borough and as the deficiencies could result from natural
causes the Health Departments of the areas where the bottling took place were notified and invited to
continue the investigations.
Spice and Herbs. Two samples of ground nutmeg were found to be deficient in volatile oils. It
was considered that the most likely cause of this was the method of packaging and the manufacturers
were so advised. They have now commenced to pack this foodstuff in non-absorbent containers.
Suet. Three samples of shredded suet were unsatisfactory by reason of slight rancidity. This
matter was investigated in conjunction with the suppliers with a view to the introduction of a satisfactory
system of storage and distribution so as to ensure proper stock rotation and the removal from sale of
outdated goods.
Tomato Puree (tinned). Two samples of tinned tomato puree were found to contain an excessive
quantity of tin; 400 and 350 parts per million respectively. The recommended maximum content is 250
p.p.m. As these two tins were imported from Italy the matter has been reported to the Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Further samples are being taken and investigations are continuing.
31