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
Finsbury 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Finsbury Borough]
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65
to dirty milk bottles and mouldy pies. In every case an investigation
was made and, where necessary, a bacteriological examination or
chemical analysis was carried out and a report submitted to the Health
Committee. A few of the complaints were considered to be unjustified
and some were insufficiently serious to warrant further action.
Legal proceedings were successfully instituted in 3 instances.
The Council instituted legal proceedings under the Food & Drugs Act, 1938 as under:-
| Date | Premises | Offence | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21. 7.55 | 72 White Lion Street | A loaf of bread with a cockroach embedded therein, sold in contravention of Section 3 Food & Drugs Act, 1938. | Fined £7.0.0. |
| 21. 7.55 | 46 Exmouth Market | Meat pies and mashed potatoes containing a cock-roach sold in contravention of Section 3 Food & Drugs Act, 1938. | Fined £7.0.0. |
| 6.12.55 | 53 Chapel Market | Bacon affected with fly grubs sold in contravention of Section 3 Food & Drugs Act, 1938. | Offence proved: defendants given an absolute discharge. £ 7.0.0. costs. |
Milk
Since October 1951, when London was made a 'Specified Area', all
milk sold in the Borough has been Designated and is bottled by the
large dairy firms at central establishments in other parts of London.
During 1950 the largest dairy in Finsbury ceased to pasteurise and
bottle milk, and apart from the few storage depots, all the registered
premises in the Borough now are retail milk shops. 118 visits were
paid to milk premises during 1955.
Routine sampling of milk for chemical analysis and bacteriological
examination is carried out. In addition to shops, depots and
roundsmen, samples are taken from schools, day nurseries and other
institutions. In spite of trade difficulties the quality of milk has
continued to remain well above the required legal standard.