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84
Bacteriological Examinations.
Twenty-seven samples of milk and one of cooked meat were
submitted for bacteriological examination. Of the samples of milk,
5 were procured from an institution, 2 from schools, and the remaining
20 from vendors throughout the borough.
In most cases the samples were taken after bottling and before
delivery to the consumer, thus insuring control, not only over the
milk as delivered by the wholesaler, but also over the cleanliness
of the apparatus and general methods of distribution by the retailer.
The reports of the bacteriologist upon the 26 milks submitted
show that the number of bacteria present ranged from 1,000 per c.c.
to 80,000 per c.c., the average count being under 11,000 per c.c.
Although the majority of the samples taken were of pasteurised
milk, the greater number were not sold under the designation
"Pasteurised" : the maximum number of organisms permissible
in 1 c.c. of pasteurised milk is 100,000, and it will be noted that
in every case a satisfactory standard of cleanliness was attained.
Nutrition.
No steps have been taken to increase the knowledge of the
general public on the subject by means of lectures, films, etc., but
talks are regularly given to the mothers attending all the welfare
centres upon the marketing and preparation of food, and, of course,
in the individual homes by the health visitors.
The borough council co-operated to the fullest extent with the
Central Council for Health Education in the national health
campaign planned by the Minister of Health and the President of
the Board of Education. Arrangements were made to display the
posters on the council's notice boards throughout the borough and
at the welfare centres, libraries, and other premises belonging to
the council. Many thousands of leaflets were distributed and
advantage taken to impress the importance of the campaign upon
families in their homes through the health visitors.
A handbook was also issued upon the health services in Lambeth
and arrangements made for the distribution of 50,000 copies.