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
Battersea 1924
Report on the health of the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea for the year 1924
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The content of fat in these 696 samples ranged as follows:—
| 4.0% and over | 117 samples or | 16.8% |
| Between 3.9 and 4.0% | 49 „ „ | 7.0% |
| „ 3.8 „ 3.9% | 74„ „ | 10.6% |
| „ 3.7 „ 3.8% | 101 „ „ | 14.5% |
| „ 3.6 „ 3.7% | 86 „ „ | 12.4% |
| „ 3.5 „ 3.6% | 105 „ „ | 15.1% |
| „ 3.4 „ 3.5% | 66 „ „ | 9.5% |
| „ 3.3 „ 3.4% | 46 „ „ | 6.6% |
| „ 3.2 „ 3.3% | 28 „ „ | 4.1% |
| „ 3.1 „ 3.2% | 16 ,, ,, | 2.3% |
| „ 3.0 „ 3.1% | 8 „ „ | 1.1% |
All samples are systematically tested for the presence of preservatives.
In one case only, referred to above, was a positive
result obtained, a whole milk being found to contain a formaldehyde
preservative to the extent of no less than 975 parts formaldehyde
per million of the sample. In this case proceedings were taken
against the vendor, who was convicted and fined £30.
Milk sampling was carried out on 16 Sundays during the year,
and 80 samples were purchased for analysis on these occasions.
Samples of milk in course of delivery by wholesale firms to the,
number of 87 were taken during the year. The bulk of these
samples was taken at Clapham Junction or South Lambeth
Railway Stations. Samples of milk to the number of 76 were
taken in course of delivery to elementary schools in the borough.
Proceedings with regard to adulteration were taken in 19
instances (fat abstraction 7; extraneous water 9; both fat
abstracted and added water 2; containing preservative 1), particulars
relating to which will be found set out in the tables on
pages 64 and 65. Warranty was pleaded in defence in one case
(three samples) and was successful. Proceedings were instituted
against the warrantor in this instance, but the summons was
dismissed on payment of five guineas costs.
| Nature of Sample. | Nature and amount of Preservative. |
|---|---|
| Milk | 0.0975% formaldehyde. |
| Cream | 26.6 grains boric acid per lb. |
| Sausages | 4.7 „ „ „ |
| 5.6 „ „ „ | |
| Luncheon Sausage | 3.2 „ „ „ |
| Fish Paste | 10.5 ,, ,, ,, |
| „ | 11.7 „ „ „ |
| „ | 8.2 „ „ „ |
| Fairy Cakes | 24.5 „ „ „ |
| „ | 13.3 „ „ „ |
| Sponge Cake | 13.3 „ „ „ |