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60
Food Sampling.
1,155 samples (460 formal and 695 informal) were sent for analysis, of which 12 formal
and 13 informal were found to be adulterated.
Bacteriological Examination of Samples of Milk and Ice Cream.
In addition to the samples of food submitted to the Public Analyst for chemical
examination, a total of 349 samples were submitted either to the Royal Institute of Public
Health and Hygiene, or the Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, for bacteriological
examination.
(a) Milk.
134 samples of milk were taken from dairies and from the London County Council schools
and institutions and day nurseries in the Borough to ascertain whether they complied with
the appropriate regulations relating to specially designated milks.
The samples were subjected to the phosphatase test (which indicates the efficiency of
the method of heat treatment) and the methylene blue test indicating the keeping quality of
the milk. All the samples complied with the phosphatase test, and 131 of the 134 samples
proved satisfactory in regard to the methylene blue test. Appropriate action was taken in the
remaining three cases, and the follow-up samples were satisfactory. All the samples taken from
the one pasteurisation plant in the Borough were satisfactory.

(b) Ice Cream.
180 samples of ice cream were submitted for bacteriological examination, of which 111
reached grades 1 or 2 when subjected to the methylene blue reduction test. The improvement
secured during the previous year has been maintained in a season with an appreciably higher
mean temperature, whilst a considerably smaller proportion of samples fell within grade 4.
Where unsatisfactory samples of ice cream were manufactured outside the Borough I
communicated with the Medical Officer of Health of the appropriate area to enable him to
investigate the conditions under which the commodity was produced.