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 1965

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]

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ArticleHow ObtainedExaminationAction Taken
Bact. or Chem.Result
Concentrated Orange Juice (2)Taken from casks to ascertain fitness for human consumption having been dropped in river water.Chem.No contamination by river water could be detected in either of the samples. They both contained a very high proportion of sulphur dioxide, 2,380 parts per million, which would be calculated to sterilise any bacterial contamination. The maximum limit for sulphur dioxide is 350 parts per million unless the juice is intended for manufacturing purposes and the maximum content is specified.Firm notified. No further action as requirements specified by the Public Analyst were satisfied.
Concentrated Tomato Juice, CannedTaken from local Warehouse to ascertain fitness for human consumption.Chem.The can was rusty on the outside but the interior was in good condition and the contents were sound and free from excessive metallic contamination.Firm notified.
Confectionery, ToffeeComplaint from member of the public that toffee contained foreign body.Chem.The foreign body consisted of part of a small decayed molar tooth.Manufacturer informed. No further action as it could not be satisfactorily established that the tooth was in the toffee after manuuufacture. Complainant notified.
Orange SquashComplaint from member of the public that bottle of orange squash contained foreign body.Chem.Contained, floating at the top, a small dead brown fly.Manufacturer informed. Premises inspected and precautions taken to obviate complaints of this nature appeared satisfactory. Complainant notified.