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
Fulham 1911
Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1911
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In the ten preceding years the samples purchased for analysis were as under :—
| Number of Samples. | Samples Adulterated. | Percentage of Adulteration. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 366 | 24 | 6.6 |
| 1902 | 854 | 18 | 5.1 |
| 1903 | 487 | 54 | 11.1 |
| 1904 | 673 | 115 | 17.1 |
| 1905 | 613 | 141 | 22.4 |
| 1906 | 559 | 163 | 28.1 |
| 1907 | 659 | 85 | 12.9 |
| 1908 | 997 | 162 | 16.3 |
| 1909 | 1,000 | 81 | 8.1 |
| 1910 | 999 | 127 | 12.2 |
The proportion of milk samples certified as adulterated
was 5.7 per cent, compared with 8 2 in 1909 and 12.2
per cent, in 1910.
The average composition of the samples purchased as new milk in each of the four quarters was as under:—
| Solids other than Fat. | Fat. | Water. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Quaiter | 8.71 | 3.40 | 87.89 |
| 2nd „ | 8.55 | 3.62 | 87.83 |
| 3rd „ | 8.78 | 3.45 | 87.77 |
| 4th „ | 8.96 | 3.50 | 87.60 |
No proceedings were instituted by the Council in
respect of two samples certified to be deficient in
fat to the extent of 8 per cent, and 9 per cent, respectively.
Having regard to the average composition of
the milk sold in Fulham, it cannot be contended that the
standard laid down by the Board of Agriculture, viz.,
8.5 per cent, of solids other than fat, and 3 per cent, of
fat is unduly high, and there is a danger that if excessive
leniency is shown with respect to samples certified as
well below the standard, the quality of the milk supplied
in the borough will deteriorate.