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The samples graded in I and II of the methylene blue test are considered
satisfactory, and samples graded III or IV unsatisfactory. One of the remaining
five samples not submitted to the methylene blue test was found to be unsatisfactory.
10 ice lollies were examined bacteriologically and all were reported to be
satisfactory. 25 milky lollies were submitted for bacteriological examination, 4 of
which were found to contain faecal coli.
At the beginning of the summer some reports were received from the Health
Departments of some Local Authorities in the Home Counties of undesirable
bacteriological contamination found in the sampling of ice lollies manufactured by a
firm in this Borough but sold by vendors in the respective districts from which the
complaints originated.
Owing to technical difficulties, there are no bacteriological standards for icecream
and ice-cream products. Ice lollies, consisting mainly of water-ice and
flavouring, are fairly safe bacteriologically, since the acid in the product discourages
bacterial growth. If, however, a small proportion of ice-cream is added to the
lolly, then the same risks may arise as in the case of ice-cream.
After much investigation and sampling in full co-operation with the firm concerned,
the source of contamination was found to be the ice-cream mix, which was
obtained from a firm in another area.
In view of the growing popularity of ice lollies, it is important that the requirements
of the Ice-Cream (Heat Treatment) Regulations should be fully complied
with, and the Department's Sampling Officers pay particular attention to all these
products.
Chemical examinations.
18 samples of ice-cream were submitted for chemical analysis, none of which
was reported to be unsatisfactory. 8 of the samples were also examined for fat
content, details of which are as follows :

2 ice lolly samples were also submitted for chemical analysis and no objection
could be taken to the results obtained.