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
Poplar 1926
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Poplar, Metropolitan Borough]
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77
PUBLIC ANALYST'S ANNUAL REPORT.
During the year 1926, 812 samples were examined under the Sale
of Food and Drugs Acts. Of these 73 samples or 9.0 per cent. were found
to be adulterated. In addition, 75 samples, or 9.2 per cent. were of
doubtful purity or inferior quality.
The figures for the previous 6 years are as follows:-
| Year. | Samples examined. | Percentage of Adulteration. |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 | 811 | 8.0 |
| 1924 | 764 | 3.7 |
| 1923 | 762 | 3.7 |
| 1922 | 738 | 2.2 |
| 1921 | 710 | 0.8 |
| 1920 | 730 | 1.2 |
| Average | 752 | 3.3 |
It will be observed that the adulteration after being at a low figure
for some years is on the increase.
The average adulteration for the whole of London in 1925 was at the
rate of 3.9 per cent., and for the whole of England and Wales 6.5 per
cent.
The number of samples examined was in the ratio of 4.8 per 1,000
of the population as compared with 5.3 per 1,000 for the whole of London,
and 3.1 per 1,000 for the whole of England and Wales.
Whilst this method of expressing the numbers of samples examined
may be of interest for purposes of comparison, it is doubtful if it is the
best one for determining the number to be examined.
In a District like Poplar, where there are a multitude of small shops
selling articles of food and drink, the samples taken do not average one
sample per shop per annum.
Fifty-one of the 812 samples were purchased informally, and all
samples were submitted by the Inspectors. Nine of the informal samples
were adulterated and 8 were of inferior quality.