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 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]
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The content of milk fat in these 743 samples ranged as follows:
| 4 per cent. and over | 57 samples or | 7.7 per cent. |
| Between 3.9 and 4.0 per cent. | 24 „ „ | 3.2 „ |
| „ 3.8 „ 3.9 „ | 43 „ „ | 5.8 „ |
| „ 3.7 „ 3.8 „ | 88 „ „ | 11.8 „ |
| „ 3.6 „ 3.7 „ | 94 „ „ | 12.6 „ |
| 168 „ „ | 22.6 „ | |
| „ 3.4 „ 3.5 „ | 121 „ „ | 16.3 „ |
| „ 3.3 „ 3.4 „ | 86 „ „ | 11.6 „ |
| „ 3.2 „ 3.3 „ | 43 „ „ | 5.8 „ |
| „ 3.1 „ 3.2 „ | 17 „ „ | 2.3 „ |
| „ 3.0 „ 3.1 „ | 2 „ „ | 0.3 „ |
| 743 | 100.0 |
All samples were systematically tested for the presence of preservatives
and colouring matter but with negative results.
Milk sampling was carried out on 5 Sundays during the year,
and 21 samples were purchased for analysis on these occasions.
Samples of milk in course of delivery by wholesale firms to the
number of 44 were taken during the year. Many of these samples
were taken at Clapham Junction (S.R.) or South Lambeth (G.W.)
Railway Stations. Samples of milk to the number of 73 were taken
in course of delivery to hospitals and elementary schools in the
Borough, all of which were certified to be genuine. The supply of
milk to hospitals and institutions is kept under careful supervision
and samples are periodically taken for chemical and bacteriological
analysis.
During the year 23 samples of milk were taken for bacteriological
examination. Of these 21 were of certified or pasteurised
milk, and 2 of ungraded milk. The results of the bacteriological
examination showed that 22 of the samples complied with the
requirements, but in one case of certified milk the sample was certified
to contain bacteria in excess of the permitted number.
Seventeen samples were taken in course of delivery during the
year at the request of the Medical Officers of Health of neighbouring
Boroughs under the provisions of Secs. 21 and 29 and the second
schedule of the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, which
permits the vendor to require (within 60 hours) the Council to
take samples from a corresponding delivery or milking. During
the year advantage was also taken of these provisions by 5 Battersea
milk purveyors in regard to 8 samples of milk.
Proceedings with regard to adulteration were taken in two
instances of fat abstraction, particulars relating to which will be
found set out in the tables on page 70.
The Council in November had before them a request from the
Milk Marketing Board that the Council would provide the necessary
veterinary and bacteriological services required in connection with