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 1966

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

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Table: Information concerning the analyses of these samples is given in the following table:—

Information concerning the analyses of these samples is given in the following table:—

ArticleHow ObtainedExaminationAction Taken
Bact. or Chem.Result
Bitter Lemon DrinkComplaint from member of the public that bottle of bitter lemon drink contained foreign matter.Chem.Contained several growths of fungus and a dead Phorid fly.The unopened bottle, prior to analysis, was shown to Manufacturer who stated that following the seasonal demand for soft drinks at Christmas, the bottles on return are washed and stored. Many of the bottles may not be used again until the following Christmas. An isolated incident considered unlikely to recur. Complainant notified. No further action.
Dried ApricotsComplaint from member of the public that fruit was mouldy.Chem.The apricots had been heavily in-infested by mites and were unfit for consumption.Two further packets, the remainder of the stock of that brand of apricots, surrendered by shop keeper. Further sample No. 2296 submitted to Public Analyst. Other brands of dried apricots when sampled were found to be genuine. Complainant notified. No further action.
Raspberry Ice LollyComplaint from member of public that ice lolly had bitter taste.Chem.Contained salts of calcium (chloride and other calcium salts) 1%. The specimen had an unpleasant, saline taste.Manufacturer stated specimen may have become contaminated through a faulty mould. Sample taken and satisfactory report received. Apparently an isolated complaint and generally unlikely to recur. Complainant notified. No further action.