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
PorkSample taken from leg of pork at Meat Wholesalers to ascertain its fitness for consumption.Chem.The meat was stale and unfit for consumption.Public Analyst's report confirmed Inspector's opinion. Pork surrendered and condemned.
ColaComplaint from member of public that cola drink had a peculiar taste.Chem.The specimen was contaminated by petrol and unfit to drink. The petrol appeared to have been introduced by the use of washered cap that had previously been in contact with petrol.Manufacturer informed of Public Analyst's report. Crown cork stoppers to be introduced as soon as possible to prevent repetition. Complainant notified, No further action.
Corned Beef. CannedComplaint from member of public that corned beef contained foreign matter.Chem.The specimen contained a greyish discoloured area due to the presence of fine particles of carbon, resembling coal dust.Investigations could not establish how carbon particles contaminated Corned Beef. Complainant notified.
CherryadeComplaint from member of public that Cherryade had unpleasant taste.Chem.The specimen had an objectionable taste which was found to be due to the presence of 2 parts per million of phenols, and was unfit to drink. The contamination appeared to have been introduced through the use of a plastic bottle cap that had previously been in contact with a disinfectant.The manufacturers on being informed, outlined the precautions taken to prevent complaints of this nature and the explanation was accepted. Complainant notified.