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
Hammersmith 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]
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71
account of its containing only 22.5 per cent. of fat, whereas
cream cheese should contain at least 40 per cent. of fat,
though there is no legal standard for this at present.
Four samples of sweets were passed as genuine. One of
these was reputed to have caused sickness in children who
had eaten some of it, and was specially examined for
metallic and other poisonous substances. Nothing of a toxic
nature could be found, and it is probable that the coconut
present in it was somewhat rancid.
A sample of a proprietary brand of "wine jelly" gave
evidence of the presence of a small amount of alcohol.
This might have been due to the actual addition of wine,
or merely to spirit present in any fruit essence used for
flavouring the jelly.
In addition to articles taken under the Food and Drugs
(Adulteration) Act a sample of water from the First Class
Swimming Bath at Lime Grove was analysed. This complied
with the specifications as to purity.
The following Table shows the action taken on adulterated samples and other infringements of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act:- Table IV.
| Sample No. | Article. | Adulteration. | Action. | Result. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 868 | Milk | 3 % added water | Letter of warning | |
| 996 | do. | 2 % added water | do. | — |
| 173 | do. | 1 % added water | do. | |
| 271 | Butter | 16·2 % water | do. | — |
| 311 | Apricots (dried) | 2,607 parts of Sulphur dioxide per million | do. | — |
| 329 | Milk | 1 % added water | do. | — |
| 457 | Camphorated Oil | Contained only 19·5 % Camphor | do. | — |
| 479 | Whiskey | 35·3* under proof | do. | — |