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
Orpington 1963
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Orpington]
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| NATURE OF ADULTERATION | REMARKS |
|---|---|
| (a) Serial No. 900. Corned Beef. The meat had an abnormal smell but the Analyst was not able to apply any chemical tests to determine its origin which could have been bacteriological. Examination for metallic contamination was satisfactory showing Lead 1.2, Copper 2, Zinc 50, Iron 80 parts per million. Inferior. | A follow-up sample taken from the same batch proved to be satisfactory. |
| (b) Serial No. 842. Disprin. A tablet dissolved in water gave no unusual taste or smell. The cotton wool plug had a slight paraffin odour and on extraction yielded 160 milligrammes paraffin. Inferior. | An investigation was carried out but it was impossible to trace the source of the paraffin found in the cotton wool. |
| (c) Serial No. 960. Milk (Pasteurised). The bitter taste alleged by the complainant to be present was confirmed by the Analyst and proved to be of bacterial origin. Inferior. | The matter was taken up with the dairy concerned. |
| (d) Serial Nos. 943 and 987. Milk (Channel Islands). The samples showed a fat content of 3.95% and 3.9% respectively against a recommended minimum fat content of 4%. Inferior | The farmer ceased to sell this milk under the designation of "Channel Islands" as from 8th December, 1963. |
| (e) Serial No. 791. Orange Juice. The Analyst reported that the sample contained approximately 60% water. Inferior. | After investigation, the manufacturers admitted to wrong labelling of the product and all stocks were withdrawn. |
| (f) Serial Nos. 945, 969 and 993. Steak and Kidney Pudding. The samples showed a meat content of 31%, 28% and 33% respectively. Food Standards Committee Report on Canned Meat calls for not less than 35%. Inferior. | The attention of the manufacturers was drawn to the deficiency in the meat content. Apologies and an assurance to look into the matter were accepted. |
| (g) Serial No. 794. Tomato Ketchup. The sample showed 5.7% of tomato solids whereas the Standard requires 6% | The Manufacturers were advised of the slight deviation from standard. |