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78
Licences
Sampling.—Under provisions of the third Schedule to the first
of the above-mentioned Regulations, Methylene Blue and Phosphatase
tests have been prescribed, the former for assessing the
" keeping " qualities of milk and the latter for estimating the
efficiency of pasteurisation. In addition, a Turbidity test is also
prescribed for ascertaining the effectiveness of the heat treatment
of Sterilised milk.
During the year 58 samples of milk consisting of 51 Pasteurised
milks, 5 Sterilised, 1 T.T. Pasteurised and 1 T.T. Farm-bottled were
examined in accordance with the prescribed tests and, in addition,
the latter sample was appropriately tested and found to be free from
tuberculosis. With regard to the pasteurised samples, in 4 cases the
nocturnal temperature in the laboratory rose 3 degrees above the
limit prescribed by the Regulations and were consequently considered
void. Two further samples failed to satisfy the tests completely.
In one instance failure to pass the Methylene Blue test
was notified to the Distributor and the Medical Officer of Health of
the Borough concerned as well as to the Area Milk Officer while in
the case of the other unsatisfactory sample which failed the Phosphatase
test similar action was taken.
Analytical Examination of Milk.—Two (both informal) of the
46 formal and 18 informal milk samples submitted to chemical
analysis proved non-genuine. Although in the case of each nongenuine
report the presence of up to 1 % water was indicated, the
deficiency of milk solids was considered insufficient to justify further
action.
All designated milks being sold in the Borough were sampled,
including those of the super-fatted variety, viz. Channel Island,
Jersey, South Devon, etc., and in this latter group 2 samples,
although genuine milks in that the fat content was more than that
legally required, were considered to have contravened the Milk
(Control and Maximum Prices) (Great Britain) Order, 1947, as the
In Operation
Principal Licences issued 31.12.53.
Distribution of Sterilised Milk 93 90
,, ,, Pasteurised Milk 44 43
,, „ Tuberculin Tested 33 32
Supplementary Licences
Distribution of Sterilised Milk 18 18
„ ,, Pasteurised Milk 17 17
„ ,, Tuberculin Tested 21 21