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 1962
Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1962
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FOOD CONTROL
PUBLIC HEALTH (IMPORTED FOOD) REGULATIONS,
1937/48
FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955
As a riparian Borough with a considerable river frontage,
Bermondsey has a vast quantity of imported foodstuffs arriving at
the various wharves and Cold Stores, and the Wharves and Food
Inspectors maintain constant surveillance to ensure that the cargoes
are fit for human consumption. Their responsibilities include
sampling for both bacteriological and chemical analysis.
The following samples were submitted for bacteriological examination during the year:
| Egg Products | 2,542 |
| Desiccated Coconut | 104 |
| Frozen Prawns | 541 |
| Cheese | 420 |
| Canned Meats | 2 |
| Other Foods | 17 |
| 3,626 |
189 samples were taken for chemical analysis as follows:
| Article Examined | No. of Samples | Purpose of Examination | Result | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apricots, Dried | 1 | For presence of preservatives | Contained 2,200 parts per million Sulphur Dioxide | Released with warning to importer |
| Aubergines, Stuffed | 1 | To ascertain composition | Ingredients not stated on label | Released with warning to importer |
| Blueberry Pie Filling | 1 | To ascertain composition | Satisfactory | Released |
| Butter | 37 | To ascertain condition | Satisfactory | Released |
| Cabbage, Stuffed | 1 | To ascertain composition | Ingredients not stated on label | Released with warning to importer |
| Caviar of Lumpfish | 1 | For presence of preservatives | Satisfactory | Released |
| Caviar of Lumpfish | 3 | For presence of preservatives | Found to contain benzoic acid | Consignments detained |