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

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City of London 1921

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

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Analysis of the total quantity of meat imported shows that the inspectors have to deal with meat arriving from many sources, viz.:—

Mutton. Tons.Lamb. Tons.Beef, frozen. Tons.Beef, chilled. Tons.Offal, TonsTotal. Tons.
Australia6,08211,86076,518........95,510
New Zealand104,03862,90645,290........212,234
Canada........( .4,300 .)....4,300
Argentina33,33018,725225,230158,57120,541456,397
Uruguay8,60122254,99615,1783,66382,660
Brazil........61,000........61,000
Patagonia40,000................40,000
U.S.ASundries................12,500

GENERAL REMARKS.
CHILLED BEEF.—The amount of chilled beef which arrived on the market
during the year showed a considerable increase. The quality was good but evidently
the meat was carried at a lower temperature than under the Linley system as at
times it was difficult to state whether it was frozen or chilled. The cleanly condition
and attractive appearance of the meat, more especially that displayed at
Christmas, was an object lesson to all butchers. Consignments arrived from Canada,
the quality was excellent and the refrigeration condition very satisfactory, the meat
being carried at or slightly above 30 degrees F., but the dressing and general
appearance as to cleanliness and finish was not up to the high standard attained
by the Argentine shippers. If cost of transport and handling is not too high and
greater attention given to the above.mentioned conditions, the Canadian chilled
meat should be a serious competitor with Argentine supplies and even have some
effect on home.grown meat prices.
With the exception of a few quarters of beef which on being cut into joints
showed lesions of tuberculosis in the deep seated glands, the chilled meat arrived
satisfactory as to disease, but occasionally, consignments appeared as if they had
originally been sent away as chilled and later reduced in temperature to the frozen
condition.
FROZEN BEEF.—Frozen beef also showed an increase but only to a small
extent. This class of meat was satisfactory as to disease, but some consignments
from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil showed as regards quality,
improvement as to breeding in the animals from which the meat was derived,
grading, dressing and attractive appearance a standard considerably below what
is considered necessary to effect a good demand and quick sale on the Central
Markets in comparison with Argentine consignments.
MUTTON AND LAMB.—Quantities of war stock mutton continued to be
placed on the Market and required the attention of the meat inspectors as to condition.
Many carcases were very poor in quality and unsaleable with the result that
they hung in the stalls until they were unfit for food.
A considerable quantity of boned out mutton carcases arrived from Patagonia.
The quality of the meat was exceedingly poor and although generally. free from
disease such meat has little nutritive value.
An important feature was the great increase of good quality lamb carcases
which arrived from Argentina. This country is becoming a serious competitor
against New Zealand in this class of meat.

EXAMINATION OF SOUTH AMERICAN TONGUES.

Owners.No. of Tongues Examined.Percentage Examined.No. of Tongues Seized.Percentage.
A4,800100%1703.5
"6,0365%11.18
B99,7725%81.08
C1,824100%231.2

F 2

TONGUES EXAMINED AT DOCKS AND RELEASED.

A5,724Tongues.
C69,996}>
D3,470>»