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 1927
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Poplar, Metropolitan Borough]
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Preservatives. The following samples were found to contain preservatives:—
| Sample. | Number examined. | Percentage preserved. |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 49 | 36.7 |
| Cream | 6 | 50.0 |
| Lemon curd | 5 | 40.0 |
| Lime juice cordial | 5 | 40.0 |
| Malt vinegar | 5 | 80.0 |
| Fresh meat | 34 | 17.7 |
| Meat paste | 1 | 100.0 |
| Meat pies | 2 | 100.0 |
| Pearl barley | 4 | 50.0 |
| Total | 111 | 36.3 |
In the majority of cases the amounts were within the limits allowed
by the Regulations, and only in a few cases was it necessary to take
further action.
It was found that during the warm weather butchers were in the habit
of spraying the fresh meat with a preservative solution. A circular was
issued pointing out that the practice was illegal, after which further
samples taken were found satisfactory.
Condensed Milk.
Twenty-one samples were examined. One sample was of poor
quality, the others complied with the Regulations both as to composition
and labelling.
Bacteriological Examination of Milks.
Forty-nine samples of Grade "A" (Tuberculin Tested) milk were
examined, 40 taken by the Inspectors and 9 submitted by the bottlers.
Six of the former and 2 of the latter, or 16.3 per cent., were unsatisfactory.
In 5 cases bacillus coli only exceeded the limit, in the other 3 cases
both bacillus coli and the total number of organisms were in excess.