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 1965
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]
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All samples taken from these plants were satisfactory, 274 inspections were made in connection
with the processing of milk, and the premises were found to be generally satisfactory.
155 persons and firms were registered as distributors of milk, and two premises were
registered as dairies.
December, 1965 marked the end of the first quinquennial period for the issue of licences
under the Milk (Special Designation) Regulations, 1960/65, and the following existing licences
were renewed:-
Pasteurised 186
Sterilised 178
Untreated 60
All these licences will be renewable in 1970.
Under the Regulations 82 samples of designated milk were taken from milk processing plants, from distributors, and from automatic vending machines. These were submitted for the Phosphatase, Methylene Blue, and Turbidity tests, the results of which are set out below:-
| Class of Milk | No. tested | Phosphatase Tests | Methylene Blue Tests | Turbidity Tests | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passed | Failed | Passed | Failed | Passed | Failed | ||
| Pasteurised | 74 | 74 | - | 53 | 21 | - | - |
| Untreated | 4 | - | - | 4 | - | - | - |
| Sterilised | 4 | - | - | - | - | 4 | - |
The 21 samples of pasteurised milk which failed to pass the Methylene Blue test were almost all
from vending machines, and each case was a first offence. Statutory notices were served in
accordance with the provisions of Sections 43/44 of the Food & Drugs Act, 1955, and as a
result the companies concerned overhauled their management and further samples were found to
be satisfactory. No samples were submitted for Brucella Abortus check.
Markets.
There are seven market sites in the Borough, three of which are street sites where traders
operate from approved pitches licensed by the Borough Council under Section 21 of the London
County Council (General Powers) Act, 1947, which is still in force. The site in North End Road
is by far the largest of these and, since it occupies one of the main thoroughfares in the Borough,
presents problems of increasing complexity. Traffic is always heavy down this road and there is
considerable danger to pedestrians and vehicles in its permanently congested state. It is extremely
difficult, if not impossible, to maintain control of waste material, especially paper,
whilst the stalls are operating; and although Staff are constantly employed on this task they
fight a losing battle, and the only solution is to clear up the road after the stalls have closed.
One wonders how much longer, with worsening road traffic, street markets throughout the Metropolis
can be allowed to continue.
The Munster Road market is much smaller and has similar but less difficult problems.
Bradmore Lane market is fortunately confined to a small side road closed to traffic and
does not create nearly so many difficulties; whilst Norland Road market has now almost ceased
to exist as a result of re-development in the Latimer Road area, and preparation for the new Westway
extension road.
The markets in Cinema Extension, Uxbridge Road, and in Railway Approach are privately
owned.
Frequent inspection of the food stalls were made in all these markets, with particular
attention to the storage accommodation.
(19)