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219
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
17 samples of milk were taken in course of delivery at the
various Public Institutions in the Borough. Three samples were
reported against as being adulterated. In two of the three cases
the vendors were warned, and in the remaining case proceedings
were taken against the vendor who, however, successfully proved
a warranty.
28 samples of milk were taken at the various railway stations
in the Borough, the milk being in course of delivery from the
farmer to the retail vendor. On the whole this milk was exceptionally
good, in most cases containing upwards of 4 per cent. of
milk fat, and in no case was any adulteration detected.
Nine samples of milk were taken on delivery at private
houses, four of these being taken by the Inspector from the small
can containing the early morning supply as it was being placed
on the doorstep by the vendor. Three of the four taken in this
way proved to be adulterated.
In one case the Inspector had the vendor under observation
for a considerable period, and arrangements were made to take a
sample from him immediately after leaving his shop for the early
morning round.
The Inspector, who concealed himself in the immediate
vicinity, saw the vendor leave his shop and serve several customers,
leaving the milk in a small can on the doorstep. The
Inspector then approached the vendor and demanded a sample
from the can from which the customers had been served. This
the vendor refused to sell, saying that he must mix it with the
milk in his churn before sampling. The Inspector protested
against this method, but the vendor insisted on mixing the milk.
A sample taken from the milk when mixed proved an analysis to
contain 4 per cent, of added water. At the same time a sample
was taken from one of the small cans left on the doorstep, which
proved on analysis to contain 35 per cent, of added water. Proceedings
were taken against the vendor, who was convicted and
fined £3 with £.2 6s. costs.