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

Paddington 1947

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Paddington, Metropolitan Borough of]

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18
At the end of the year "ship" rats were found to have invaded a small area of business premises in the vicinity
of the Canal Basin. All occupiers were warned by the Department of the unusual characteristics possessed by these
rats, and our co-operation was offered to deal with the menace. Fortunately there is no indication that these rats
are on the increase.
The sewers received their usual treatments in January and July, and it is probable that over 5,000 rats were
accounted for.
CANAL BOATS.—The Canal Boats Inspector visited the Paddington Basin on 90 occasions, and inspected 71 boats.
No serious defects or infringements were discovered, the minor matters requiring attention being disposed of without
recourse to the service of notices. Eight girls and one boy of school age were found to be living on the boats coming
into the Basin. There were no deaths or cases of infectious disease among the canal boat population.
SHOPS ACTS.—590 visits were made under this heading ; no notices were served, any infringements of the Acts (mainly
concerned with sanitary accommodation) being dealt with informally.
PHARMACY AND POISONS ACT, 1933, etc.—At the end of the year the Register contained the names of 97 persons
entitled to sell the poisons scheduled in Part II of the Poisons List, and 155 visits were made to ensure that the poisons
were being stored and sold in accordance with the requirements of the Pharmacy and Poisons Rules.
BAKEHOUSES.—The number of bakehouses in the Borough remained at 40 (15 level and 25 underground). 209
visits were made.
FOOD SUPERVISION.
Sampling.—600 samples were submitted to the Public Analyst, 22 being formal samples and 578 informal. 147 of
the samples were of milk, on which there was no adverse report.

Table: Of the 600 samples, only 4 (0.66 per cent.) were "not genuine," and particulars of these, and the action taken are shown below:—

Of the 600 samples, only 4 (0.66 per cent.) were "not genuine," and particulars of these, and the action taken are shown below:—

ArticleFormal or InformalNature of Adulteration or IrregularityAction Taken
RumFormal38.13° under proof, equal to 4.82% excess of waterLegal proceedings taken. Case dismissed with costs against the Council.
Sulphur OintmentInformal662/3 deficient in sulphurCautionary letter.
Tinned HerringInformalTins blown; contents unsuitable for human consumption,,
Pineapple JamInformalJar contained pieces of glass,,

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Unsound Food.—Approximately 28f tons of diseased or unsound food were surrendered by tradesman for destruction.
Two cases were reported of bread being sold unfit for consumption. In one instance the bread contained a
cockroach, and in the other, a nail.
A tin of Irish Stewed Steak was found to contain a portion of a bandage, and the Ministry of Food was asked to
communicate with the Eirean Authorities about this.
Food Poisoning.—18 cases of Food Poisoning or Suspected Food Poisoning were enquired into, but there was nothing
of a serious nature calling for special report.