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 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]
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During the year 91 samples of ice cream were taken and submitted
to the Public Health Laboratory Service for bacteriological examination
by the methylene blue test. This test is recommended by the Ministry of
Health as a guide for ascertaining the bacteriological cleanliness of
ice cream, the time taken to decolourise methylene blue being recorded
and the sample graded as follows:-
PROVISIONAL GRADE
TIME TAKEN TO DECOLOURISE METHYLENE BLUE
1. 4½ours or more
2. 2½to 4 hours
3. ½to 2 hours
4. Less than ½hour
Reports on the 91 samples of ice cream taken during the year show
an improvement on previous years. it is satisfactory to note than no
samples came within the lowest grade, particularly as the majority of
the ice cream sampled was manufactured in ice cream factories situate
in the borough. The samples were graded as follows:-
62 samples were within Grade 1 standard
25 „ „ „ „ 2 „
4 „ „ „ "3 „
Figures shownng the results of samples taken in the borough since the methylene blue test has been used for the grading of ice cream are shown below-
| Year | No. of Samples taken | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Ungr aded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 49 | 29 | 12 | 3 | 5 | - |
| 1952 | 68 | 37 | 20 | 4 | 7 | - |
| 1953 | 105 | 62 | 22 | 15 | 4 | 2 |
| 1954 | 89 | 64 | 16 | 5 | 4 | . |
| 1955 | 94 | 60 | 11 | 12 | 2 | 9 |
| 1956 | 91 | 62 | 25 | 4 | - | - |
in addition, 14 samples of ice cream were taken for chemical analysis
by the Public Analyst, all of which complied with the standard
laid down by the Flood Standards (ice Cream) Order 1953 which requires
that ice cream shall contain not less than 5 percent fat, 10 per cent
sugar and 7½ per cent milk solids other than fat. The fat content in
the samples taken ranged from 9 per cent to 12.1 per cent.
ice Cream and Preserved Food Premises
Under Section 16 FOOd & Drugs Act 1955 no premises (with certain
exceptions) may be used for:-
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