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52
Examination
of samples.

Milk samples.
The total number of milk samples examined chemically during the year in the
central laboratory was 1,784. Of this number 1,517 were of milk supplied to
children in the elementary schools, whilst 267 were from supplies to general and
special hospitals, under contracts which require 3.25 per cent, of fat and 8.5 per cent,
of other solids, except during the months of March and April, when the fat must
not be less than 3 per cent. The quality of the supplies, generally, has been more
satisfactory than in past years, less than 2 per cent, being deficient in fat, and only
about 0.5 per cent, containing added water, 2.4 per cent, of the total being not up
to the chemical standard required as against 7.1 per cent, during 1930.
A consideration of the condition of the supplies in respect of extraneous matter,
however, shows a less marked improvement; for, of the 1,784 samples referred to,
144 (slightly over 8 per cent.) contained an excessive amount of extraneous matter.
This figure is, however, less by nearly 3.5 per cent, than that obtained during 1930.
In all these cases the results are communicated to the chief officer of supplies, who is
thus enabled to take up the matter with the contractor.
In addition to the above, 264 samples of milk supplied to schools and general
and special hospitals were examined bacteriologically at the Southern Group
laboratory at the Park hospital, and at the bacteriological laboratory at the County
Hall. The results obtained are shown in the tables set out below.