London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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City of London 1902

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]

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169
SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS, 1875-1899.
The total number of samples examined during the year was 1,248, of which
1,138 were genuine, and 110, or 8'8 per cent. were adulterated. This shows
a marked improvement in the character of the articles supplied over last year,
when the proportion of adulteration was 13.11 per cent.

As in former years, attention has chiefly been directed towards Milk and Butter, and a comparison of the following figures will show that the efforts taken in the City to check adulteration of these important articles of food are being attended with success:—

1901.1902.
No. of Milk samples examined392599
Found genuine209519
„ adulterated8380
Percentage of adulteration21.13.
No. of Butter samples examined238299
Found genuine224292
„ adulterated147
Percentage of adulteration5.82.34

The quality of Milk and Butter supplied to customers at eating-houses and
restaurants was made a special subject of investigation.
Of the former, 223 samples were examined, of which 46, or 20.62 per cent.,
were adulterated. In 183 of these cases the Inspector asked for and was served
with "a glass of milk," and on 40 of these occasions, or 21.31 per cent., the
milk was adulterated.
In the remaining 40 cases " pennyworths " were asked for, and of these 6,
or 15 per cent., were adulterated.
In 10 of the above purchases a cup of tea was ordered at the same time in
order to avert suspicion, and in 2 cases the milk was sophisticated.
Ninety-one samples of Butter were collected at these places, and 7, or 7.7
per cent., were found adulterated.
In 44 of the above, "pats" of butter were purchased, all being genuine, and
in the remaining 47 cases two or three pennyworths were asked for, and
of these 7, or 15 per cent., were adulterated.
Ninety-seven samples of Spirits, viz., 29 of Rum, 29 Brandy, 30 Whisky,
and 9 of Gin were analysed, and 11, or 11.4 per cent., were found below the
statutory limit of alcoholic strength.