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 1935
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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49
examination of milk.
Chemical.—Six of the 221 samples of milk, which were all taken formally, were certified
to be below the limits laid down which presume adulteration ; this gives a percentage
figure of 2.7, compared with 9.0 in 1934. Legal proceedings were taken in respect of three
of the samples and convictions recorded in respect of two of these. One consignor was
communicated with with regard to milk fat deficiency, and further samples taken in respect
of another sample reported against proved genuine.
The following table shows the percentage fat.content in each of the 221 samples of milk procured in the City during the year, the average fat.content being 3.5 per cent., only four samples falling below the standard figure of 3 per cent.:—
| Percentage of Fat. | No. of Samples. | Percentage of Fat. | No. ot Samples. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 | l | 3.9 | 10 |
| 2.9 | 3 | 4.0 | 9 |
| 3.0 | 4 | 4.1 | 4 |
| 3.1 | 6 | 4.2 | 2 |
| 3.2 | 13 | 4.3 | 2 |
| 3.3 | 23 | 4.4 | 1 |
| 3.4 | 35 | 4.5 | 1 |
| 3.5 | 30 | 4.6 | 3 |
| 3.6 | 26 | 4.7 | 2 |
| 3.7 | 37 | 5.0 | 1 |
| 3.8 | 8 | Total | 221 |
Four purveyors of milk, from whom samples had been taken, availed themselves of
the provisions of the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, and served notices upon the
Authority requesting samples of milk to be procured in course of delivery from their suppliers.
the milk and dairies order, 1926, and
the milk and dairies (amendment) act, 1922.
The number of retail purveyors of milk on the register at the end of 1934 was 291, but
this number has been reduced as a consequence of the revision of the register referred to
in my Annual Report for 1934.
Registration Statistics.
| New Applications for Registration received | 13 |
| New Applications granted | 13 |
| New Applications refused | — |
| Number of Retail Purveyors of Milk (with City premises) on the Register at end of 1935 | 90 |
| Number of Retail Purveyors of Milk (without City premises) on the Register at end of 1935 | 36 |
| Number of Milk Sellers (other than Retail Purveyors of Milk) on the Register at end of 1935 | 27 |
| Licenses issued under the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923 | 17 |
During the year, 129 inspections were made in connection with the sale of milk and,
generally, the statutory requirements were found to be complied with. Observations have
been made as to the distribution of milk, but no action has been necessary in connection
with offences such as the bottling of milk in the street or off dairy premises.
the public health (condensed milk) regulations, 1923 and 1927.
the public health (dried milk) regulations, 1923 and 1927.
Nine samples of various brands of Condensed Milk were purchased for analysis, and all
were found to conform to the standards for composition and equivalent contents, and the
requirements respecting labelling.
registered premises.
Butter Factories.—One butter factory is registered in the City, and samples taken at
various times at these premises were all certified to be genuine.
Wholesale Dealers in Margarine and Margarine Cheese.—There was one new application
for registration received during the year.
Artificial Cream Act, 1929.—No additions have been made to the register