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110
Milk sampling was carried out on 4 Sundays, and 30 samples
were purchased for analysis on these occasions. Samples of milk
in course of delivery by wholesale firms to the number of 11 were
taken. Twenty-eight samples of milk were also 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.
Thirty samples of milk were taken for bacteriological examination.
Of these 21 were of pasteurised milk and 9 of ungraded
milk. The last mentioned samples were tested for the tubercle
bacillus but with negative result. The results of the bacteriological
examination showed that all the samples complied with the
requirements.
Under the provisions of sections 21 and 29 and the second
schedule of the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, a vendor
from whom a sample has been purchased for the purpose of analysis
is permitted to require (within 60 hours) the Council to take samples
from a corresponding delivery or milking. Advantage was taken
of these provisions by 7 Battersea milk purveyors in regard to 16
samples of milk. No requests were received from the Medical
Officers of Health of neighbouring Boroughs for the taking of such
samples in the course of delivery.
Proceedings with regard to adulteration were taken in three
instances, particulars relating to which will be found set out in
the table on pages 86 and 87.
In connection with the figures given yearly of the average
composition of genuine samples of milk the Public Analyst writes
that since his appointment in July, 1922, he has examined over
10,000 samples. He thinks that, having regard to this large
number, these average figures should prove of value in court
proceedings when questions arise as to the average composition of
the milk supply of the Borough.
The following tables concisely supply this information.
The first shows the average monthly composition of all
samples of milk, reported as genuine, examined during the period
July 1st, 1922, to December 31st, 1938:—