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 1963
Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1963
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(43)
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 | 4,340 |
| Desiccated Coconut | 16 |
| Frozen Prawns | 340 |
| Cheese | 566 |
| Canned Meats | 3 |
| 5,265 |
211 samples were taken for chemical analysis as follows:
| Article Examined | No. of Samples | Purpose of Examination | Result | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ampelopoulia (Pickled Birds) | 1 | To ascertain composition | Satisfactory | Released |
| Apricots, Dried | 2 | For presence of preservatives | Satisfactory | Released |
| Arobon Powder | 1 | To ascertain composition | Satisfactory | Released |
| Asparagus in Cheese Sauce | 1 | To ascertain composition | Satisfactory | Released |
| Beef Gulyas | 1 | To ascertain composition | Satisfactory | Released |
| Beetroot (Pickled) | 1 | For presence of preservatives | Contained 160 parts per million Benzoic Acid | Detained |
| Beetroot (Pickled) | 2 | For presence of preservatives | Satisfactory | Released |
| Beetroot (Pickled) | 1 | For presence of preservatives | Contained 70 parts per million Benzoic Acid | Warning letter to importer |