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
Kensington 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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50
sufficient evidence to justify legal action. In the remaining case
the Public Health Committee authorised legal proceedings, and on pleading
guilty the suppliers were fined £2. 0s. Od. with £2. 2s. Od. costs.
Composition of Milk
During the year, three hundred and fourteen samples of milk
(all grades) were submitted to the Public Analyst. Two were found to
be below the legal and presumptive standards laid down, and the results
of these were sent to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
A warning was given to the retailer in one of these cases, but in the
remaining case it was decided to take no action.
In addition to the above, thirteen samples of hot milk were taken
from catering establishments in the borough and submitted to the Public
Analyst. Six were found to be below the standard for non-fat-solids, by
reason of added water. Warnings were given to the retailers in all six
cases.
The following table shows the average percentages of milk fat and non-fat solids of the genuine samples of these milks taken during each months-
| Month | No. of samples taken | Average percentages | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk fats | Non-fat solids | |||
| January | 11 | 4.55 | 9.06 | |
| February | 7 | 4.24 | 8.90 | |
| March | 6 | 4.63 | 9.07 | |
| April | 10 | 4.41 | 8.91 | |
| May | 8 | 4.40 | 9.10 | |
| June | 9 | 4.38 | 9.01 | |
| July | 14 | 4.36 | 8.94 | |
| August | 5 | 4.56 | 8.89 | |
| September | 11 | 4.50 | 9.01 | |
| October | 8 | 4.64 | 9.01 | |
| November | 8 | 4.51 | 9.04 | |
| December | 2 | 4.55 | 8.85 | |
| Average for whole year | 4.46 | 8.98 | ||
| Legal minimum standards | 4.00 | 8.50 | ||
Milk and Dairies (Channel Islands and South Devon Milk) Regulations, 1956
These Regulations require that all milk for human consumption
sold under the specific description of -
Channel Islands Milk
Jersey Milk
Guernsey Milk or
South Devon Milk
must contain not less than 4% by weight of milk fat. This compares with
the presumptive milk fat standard of 3% specified for ordinary milk by the
Sale of Milk Regulations, 1939°
During the year, ninety-nine samples of these milks have been
taken and were all found to be satisfactory.