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

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Hammersmith 1893

Eighth annual report to 15th March, 1894...

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174
per cent. Besides these adulterated samples were 18
others considered to be of inferior quality, although not
sufficientlybad to justify their condemnation as adulterated.
These inferior samples constitute, therefore, 7-69 per cent.
of the whole.
I wish to point out that these inferior samples were in
each case samples of milk. The following table shows the
percentage of adulterated and inferior samples, and also a
comparison of the extent of adulteration during the past
eight years:—

TABLE III.

Year.Total number of samples examined.Percentage of pure.Percentage Inferiot.Percentage Adulterated.
1886-8716083.75 91.9016.25
1887—881838.1o
1888— 8919674.5012.2413.26
1889-90186779711.8210.21
1890—9118476.708.7014.67
1891—9220474.5215.1910.29
1892—9325082.005.2012.80
1893—9423480.347.6911.97

A short note as to the result of summonses under the
Adulteration Acts, see separate heading, " Result of
Summonses," page 53.
Respecting the samples examined :—
MILK.
This article is still largely sold in an adulterated state. It will
be seen that out of the 64 samples examined, only 33, or 51 "56 per
cent., are regarded as good milk. Eighteen of the 64 samples
were of a poor quality, and 20.32 per cent, were adulterated.
This is not at all satisfactory, and is, in my opinion attributable
chiefly to two causes : On the one hand, the unsatisfactory state of
the law respecting the sale of milk and the purchase of the same
on warranty ; and on the other hand, to the comparatively trifling
fines imposed in many cases. The consequences which follow
the supply of adulterated and inferior samples of milk are most
disastrous, seeing that it is so largely used for infants.