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38
Milk supplied to Schools and Hospitals.
Samples of milk in course of delivery to Schools and Hospitals
in the Borough are regularly taken, both for chemical analysis and,
where the milk is supplied under a "Special Designation," for submission
to the prescribed tests for such milk. These samples are
included in the general totals given on pages 35, 36 and 37. The results
of the analyses and tests are communicated to the London County
Council or to the appropriate Hospital Management Committee.
Ice Cream.
Fifty-eight samples of ice cream were taken during the year,
each sample being submitted to the presumptive test for coliform
organisms in 3 tubes at 1/10 ml. dilution, and to the methylene blue
test, in accordance with the technique suggested by the Ministry of
Health. The following is a summary of the results:—
Coliform Test. Methylene Blue Test.
Negative 26 Provisional Grade 1 19
Positive in 1 tube 4 „ ,, 2 15
„ „ 2 tubes 3 „ „ 3 7
„ „ 3 tubes 25 „ „ 4 17
58 58
Although these results represent a distinct improvement over those
recorded for the year 1948, they are still far from satisfactory,
especially in view of the fact that all ice cream is, by virtue of the
Ice Cream (Heat Treatment, &c.) Regulations, 1947, now required
to be subjected to a prescribed method of heat treatment, unless it
is made by the "complete cold mix" process from materials already
subjected to heat treatment.
Where samples of ice cream made at premises in the Borough
received unsatisfactory reports, the premises, plant, and methods of
operation were examined, and, where possible, improvements were
suggested.
It is worthy of comment that some of the poor samples were
of ice cream made by reputable manufacturers, operating the most
up-to-date plant, and usually wrapping the product at the place of
manufacture. It is difficult to explain why this should be so.
The Ministry of Food have requested that the results of any
samples of ice cream taken for chemical analysis be forwarded to
them, for the reason that certain manufacturers are allowed additional
sugar and fat on condition that they give an undertaking that the fat
content of their product will not fall below 2½ per cent. Five such
samples were taken during the year, and the fat content was found
to vary from 1.56 per cent. to 5.24 per cent. Details were sent to
the Ministry.