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69
1937
This percentage is 1.3 below the previous year and 2.6 below the average rate
for the preceding 10 years.
Bacteriological Examination of Milk and Water.—Apart from the above
chemical analyses, certain foods, including water, were submitted for bacteriological
examination.
During the year 1937, 37 samples of milk taken in various parts of the Borough
as supplied to the consumers and schools were tested bacteriologically, three of
these samples being "Pasteurised" Milk in course of delivery to schools, and six
of "Pasteurised" Milk in course of delivery to London County Council Institutions
(St. Mary, Islington, Hospital, and Islington Institution).
For tubercle, 26 samples were tested, and in no case was the bacillus discovered.
The samples were examined for "bacterial count," or subjected to methylene blue
or coliform tests according to the designation of the milk. Sixteen samples showed
unsatisfactory results, two of "Tuberculin Tested" Milk showing the presence of
coliform bacillus.
In addition to the above-mentioned 37 samples, six samples of "Pasteurised"
Milk were taken for phosphatase test, and four of these gave unsatisfactory results.
The matter of the faulty samples was taken up with each dairyman, the possible
causes gone into, and an endeavour made to trace the exact causes. At the same
time the dairyman were warned of the necessity of everything being done with a
view to preventing recurrence.
During the year two samples of water were examined, one bacteriologically
and one chemically, and in both instances it was reported that no exception could
be taken to the use of the water for domestic purposes.
Prosecutions under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act.—In most
cases prosecutions were instituted, but in a few where exceptional circumstances
existed, a strong warning was given. There were seven prosecutions under the
Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, of which six were successful, one being
withdrawn. These are included in the complete list (page 72).
A prosecution taken under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, was one in
which iron filings were found in tea. Two quarter-pound packets of the tea were
purchased, and on examination by Inspector Lewis were found to contain iron
filings. A formal sample was taken under the Food and Drugs Act and submitted
to the Public Analyst, whose report confirmed our findings. To prevent further
sale of this commodity the remainder of the stock was examined, seized and taken
before a Magistrate, who ordered it to be destroyed. The vendor eventually surrendered
61 lbs. of the same brand of this tea collected from his branch shops. At
the hearing of the case the Magistrate reserved his decision, but finally decided to
dismiss the case under the Probation of Offenders Act on payment of costs.
During the year 1937, eleven informal samples of cream and two samples of
artificial cream were submitted to the Public Analyst ; all proved to be genuine.
A wide selection (the varieties numbering 145) of informal samples were taken
during the year, as these form the basis upon which information is obtained to
enable formal samples to be purchased with a view to prosecution. Informal samples
of butter numbered 103, cheese 28, pepper 18, bacon 22, sausages 20, lard 30,
dripping 7, vinegar 6, margarine 8, tinned fish 8, minced beef 9, raisins 6, currants 6,
sultanas 10, fish paste 19, mustard 7, flour 5, cooked ham 8, skimmed condensed
milk (sweetened) 8 and 262 of various other articles, making a total of 590.