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88
The analysis of samples of food and drugs procured under the
provisions of the above-mentioned Act, or informally (i.e., without
following in detail the procedure prescribed by the Act in the case
of formal samples) is carried out by the Public Analyst for the
Borough, (Mr. Charles Hackman, F.I.C.),at the laboratory at 325
Kennington Road, S.E.
The bacteriological examination of samples (mainly milk) is
conducted by the Clinical Research Association, Ltd., at Watergate
House, Strand, W.C.
The total number of samples taken under the Act during 1931
was 790, of which 28 or 3.5 per cent. were certified by the Public
Analyst to be adulterated. In addition to the foregoing, 410
informal samples were procured, none of which were reported by
the Public Analyst as being adulterated or containing preservative
in contravention of the provisions of the Public Health (Preservatives,
&c., in Food) Regulations.
The percentage of samples reported by the Public Analyst to
be adulterated during the quinquennia 1921—1925 and 1926—1930,
and in each year from 1926 onwards, is given in the following
table. It will be seen that there has been a distinct improvement
in the state of the food supply during the past five years.
Formal Informal
Year. Samples. Samples.
(per cent.) (per cent.)
Mean 1921—1925 6.4 7.4
1926 4.3 3.7
1927 4.5 0.8
1928 2.6 1.4
1929 2.6 4.1
1930 2.6 2.2
Mean 1926—1930 3.3 2.4
1931 3.5 Nil
The following tables give details of the articles of which samples
were obtained for the purpose of analysis:—