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

Southwark 1959

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southwark, Borough of]

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Table: Non-Genuine Samples

Non-Genuine Samples

Informal samplesResult of analysisAction taken
No.Sample of
697aCanned Tomato PasteTin - 3.3 grains per poundFormal sample taken
12aWine Vinegar7.5 per cent deficient in Acetic AcidFormal sample taken
24aSelf-raising FlourDeficient in Creta PraeparataStock withdrawn from sale
60aSelf-raising FlourDeficient in Creta PraeparataStock withdrawn from sale
88aLobster Spread28 per cent deficient in lobsterFurther samples satisfactory
106aIndigestion TabletsIncorrectly labelledManufacturers undertook to amend label
137a"Rivella"Misleading labelWording of label amended
219aCornmealContained maggots and webbingStock destroyed
226aButter Mints50 per cent deficient in Butter FatSubsequent sample correctly described as 'Butter Flavoured'
231aAniseed BallsContained non-permitted colourOld stock destroyed
380aGlauber's SaltEfflorescedStock destroyed
408aChocolate CigarettesWrapped in metal foil containing 19 per cent copperMinistry of Health informed

Table: Formal samples

Formal samples

1Canned Tomato PasteTin - 4 grains per poundCautionary letter
20Wine Vinegar8-5 per cent deficient in Acetic AcidCautionary letter
83SaveloySulphur dioxide 260 parts per millionCautionary letter
253Non-Brewed Condiment12.5 per cent deficient in Acetic AcidCautionary letter
283Cocktail OnionsNot labelled with ingredientsCautionary letter