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
Greenwich 1957
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]
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87
Ice Cream Sampling. (Bacteriological Examination).—As in the
previous year the Council continued to make use of the Public
Health Laboratory Service as provided for under the National
Health Act and 56 samples were submitted for examination and
grading according to the Ministrv's nrovisional Grading Scheme.
The grading is based on the results of the Methylene Blue Reductase Test and a summary of this year's reports is given below:—
| Samples taken | Time taken to Reduce Methylene Blue | Provisional Grade | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 4½ hours or more | 1 | Satisfactory |
| 15 | 2½ to 4 hours | 2 | Sub-standard |
| 2 | ½ to 2 hours | 3 | Unsatisfactory |
| — | 0 hours | 4 | Most Unsatisfactory |
| 6 | Ice-lollies | Plate count and bacteria reports showed these samples to be Satisfactory | |
On receipt of a Grade 3 or 4 report it is the practice in this
Borough to obtain further samples from a vendor before administrative
action is taken. It was not necessary during the year to have
recourse to ' administrative action.'
Quantitative Analysis.—Standards for the composition of ice
cream are contained in the Food Standards (Ice Cream) Order, 1953.
In connection with quantitative analysis, 7 samples of ice-cream
were examined in the normal course of food sampling. All samples
proved to be satisfactory and reference to the Analyses will be found
under the heading of Food and Drugs Act, 1955.