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 1937

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

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83
UNSOUND FOOD.
During August, whilst the examination of a food store
in connection with a grocers and provision shop was being
carried out, a quantity of foodstuffs was found to be contaminated
by excreta of mice. 32 lbs. of rice, 24½ lbs. of
flour, 8 lbs. of candied peel and 3½ lbs. of prunes were
seized as unwholesome and unfit for food of man and
conveyed to a magistrate who ordered its destruction.
Proceedings were taken at the Kensington Petty Sessions
and penalties of £20 on each of four summonses (£80 in
all) were imposed.

Table: The voluntary surrender of the following unsound food was accepted during the year :—

The voluntary surrender of the following unsound food was accepted during the year :—

CommodityConditionResult.
4 TurkeysUnsound and Unfit for foodSurrendered
12 tins Pearsdittoditto
1 tin Peaches (15 oz.)dittoditto
12 boats Tomatoesdittoditto
17 boats Tomatoesdittoditto
2 Fowlsdittoditto
2 boxes Filletsdittoditto
3 Fow'sdittoditto
1 Liver Sausagedittoditto
2 boxes Kippersdittoditto
2 boxes Cod Filletsdittoditto
27 lb. Beefdittoditto

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CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
OP FOOD.
The chemical examination of food is carried out by the
Public Analyst at the Laboratories, Royal Dental Hospital,
Leicester Square.
Eight hundred samples taken under the Sale of Food
and Drugs Acts were examined during the year.
Nearly 50 per cent. of the articles analysed were milk
samples.
The bacteriological examination of food is carried out by
the Pathologists of the University College Hospital Medical
School and the West London Hospital.
In the case of food poisoning specimens are sent to the
Ministry of Health.