London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
City of London 1929
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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32
Sample No. 46.—" The above-named farm has been visited and the Veterinary Inspector
has condemned one cow under the Tuberculosis Order. The post-mortem examination on
this animal showed that it was suffering from advanced tuberculosis."
The following summary for the purposes of comparison is inserted, and indicates the results obtained in the series of examination of milks on arrival in the City since 1904:—
| Year. | Percentage showing Tuberculous Infection. | Year. | Percentage showing Tuberculous Infection. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1904 | 7.7 per cent. | 19.21 | 24.2 per cent. 1st Series. |
| 1905 | 9.1 „ „ | .... | 26.3 ,, „ 2nd Series. |
| 1906 | 8.0 „ „ | .... | 12.5 ,, ,, 3rd Series. |
| 1907 | 8.3 „ „ | 1922 | 9.5 „ „ |
| 1909 | 12.5 „ „ 1st Series. | 1923 | 2.6 „ „ |
| 4.7 ,, ,, 2nd Series. | 1924 | 12.8 „ „ | |
| 1910 | 6.25 „ „ | 1925 | 2.4 „ „ 1st Series. |
| 1912 | 6.6 „ „ | .... | 2.4 „ „ 2nd Series. |
| 1913 | 10.4 „ „ | 1926 | „„ |
| 1914 | 10.2 „ „ | 1927 | 4.88 „ |
| 1915 | 8.5 „ „ | 1928 | 8.3 „ „ |
| 1917 | 4.2 „ „ | 1929 | 5.1 „„ |
| 1919 | 14.8 , „ | .... |
The chemical examination showed that, with one exception, all the samples were samples
of genuine milk. The exception was found to be adulterated to the extent of 2 per cent,
of added water, and when an attempt was made to secure a further sample, it was learnt
that the farm had been sold.
SUPERVISION OF FOOD AND DRUGS.
During the year 1929, 980 samples of Food and Drugs were submitted to the
Public Analyst for examination. Of this number, 662 were taken as test samples without
the formalities of the Act being observed. Sixteen of these informal samples were reported
against, as follows:—
5 of Sausage Preservative Powder, out of 5 samples.
3 of Sausages, out of 28.
2 of Pickles and Sauces, out of 11.
2 of Liniment of Turpentine, out of 5.
1 of Butter, out of 58.
1 of Cream, out of 13.
1 of Crushed Linseed, out of 7.
1 of Iron and Quinine Citrate, out of 2.
Of the formal samples, 22 out of 318 were reported against, as follows:—
11 of Milk, out of 263 samples.
2 of Sausage Preservative Powder, out of 2.
2 of Whisky, out of 10.
1 of Cream, out of 13.
1 of Crushed Linseed, out of 1.
1 of Liniment of Turpentine, out of 2.
1 of Pickles and Sauces, out of 1.
1 of Prescription Medicines, out of 4.
1 of Rum, out of 5.
1 of Sausages, out of 1.
The above-mentioned samples, with the exception of Milk, Whisky, Rum and Prescription
Medicines, were taken as the result of informal samples having been reported against.
General Observations.—The percentage rate of adulteration of all foods and drugs
sampled in the City was 3 -8, as compared with 2.4 in 1928.
Butter.—Of the 64 samples, 46 were of butter with rolls, slices of bread or scone. One
informal sample served on roll was certified as containing 40 per cent. of fat not derived
from milk, the formal sample in connection therewith not being taken before the close of
the year. The remaining samples were certified genuine.