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

Bermondsey 1949

Report on the sanitary condition of the Borough of Bermondsey for the year 1949

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Table: FOOD AND DRUGS. During the year 1,360 samples were submitted by the Food and Drugs Inspector. In fifteen cases the analysis disclosed an infringement of the law.

FOOD AND DRUGS. During the year 1,360 samples were submitted by the Food and Drugs Inspector. In fifteen cases the analysis disclosed an infringement of the law.

No.Date purchasedSampleInfringementRemarks
16025.2.49Liver SausageTotal meat 35.2% instead of 45%Re-sampled and found to be satisfactory
1978.3.49Beef Sausage MeatTotal meat 35.1% instead of 50%Warning letter to retailer
3121.4.49Channel Islands MilkMilk Fat 3.94% instead of 4%Ministry of Food Milk Division notified
3266.4.49Chocolate colouringDyed Food a redbrown colour, not chocolate-brownNo action
35320.4.49Jellied PorkMade from offalRetailer interviewed & warned by letter. Intended for sale as jellied chitterlings
38226.4.49Channel Islands MilkMilk Fat 3.74% instead of 4%Ministry of Food Milk Division notified
39327.4.49Shredded SuetFat 79.5% instead of 83%Deficiency not sufficient to take any action in view of the difficulty of obtaining an average sample
54919.5.49Children's cough syrupLabel did not give all details as required by Pharmacy and Medicines Act, 1941Retailer interviewed and warned verbally
68527.6.49Tomato KetchupAct, 1941 Contained 20 parts per million of copperSupplier interviewed and warned verbally
9148.8.49Tomato Sauce (New Zealand)Benzoic Acid 560 parts per millionAttention of importer drawn to this excess
1867.10.49Vapour Rub OintmentLabel did not give all details as required by Pharmacy and Medicines Act, 1941Attention of manufacturer drawn to this omission
22213.10.49Pearl BarleyContained living and dead mitesRetailer warned. Surrendered balance for destruction
25120.10.49Pork SausagesTotal meat 33.5% instead of 50%Prosecution. Fine £3. Costs £3.3.0
26321.10.49Potato CrispsNature and weight of contents not stated on labelManufacturer warned verbally Promised to rectify omission by overprinting
4582.12.49Beef SausagesTotal meat 40.5% instead of 50%Re-sampled and found to be satisfactory