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
Lambeth 1963
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lambeth Borough]
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79
SAMPLING OF FOOD AND DRUGS
Chemical Analysis
Two hundred samples were procured formally, 118 of which were of milk,
and 1,300 samples were procured informally.
Set out below is a table of samples reported by the Public Analyst to be
adulterated or otherwise unsatisfactory, showing action in each case.
| Articles | Result of Analysis | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Almonds | Poor quality and tendency to rancidity | Formal sample purchased and found satisfactory. |
| Channel Island Milk | Contained extraneous water | Series of Formal samples taken and found genuine. |
| Sal Volatile | Deficiency of ammonia | Subsequent sample satisfactory. |
| Borax and Honey | Contained excess borax | Formal sample satisfactory |
| Prunes (Canned) | Contaminated with tin and containing gas (hydrogen) | Balance of stock surrendered and destroyed. |
| Sal Volatile | Deficient in ammonium carbonate and ammonia | Formal sample purchased. |
| Sal Volatile | Deficient in ammonium carbonate - also labelling offence | Formal sample purchased. |
| Ravioli | Deficient in meat | Formal sample purchased. |
| Pork Luncheon Meat | Deficiency of meat | Formal sample purchased. |
| Pork Luncheon Meat | Deficiency of meat | Formal sample purchased. |
| Shredded suet | Deficiency of beef fat | Formal sample purchased. |
| Pice pudding | Insignificant amount of sugar present | Stock in shop inspected - The one can left of this batch withdrawn from sale. Packers attention called to Analyst's report |