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 1961
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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Administrative action regarding adulteration or other irregularity —
| Article | Informal or Formal Sample | Nature of adulteration or irregularity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk Shake Syrup | Informal | Contained Sulphur dioxide, 250 parts per million. | This article might legitimately contain 30 parts per million of sulphur dioxide, from its sugar content. (42% of 70 parts per million). There is quite a strong case for permitting preservatives in these products, to the same extent that they are permitted in "Cordials", and it has been proposed that when the Preservatives Regulations are revised "Flavouring Syrups" should be permitted to contain 350 parts per million of Sulphur dioxide. |
| Nutmeg | Informal | Contaminated by insects. | The vendors withdrew all stocks from sale. Cautionary letters were sent to both vendors and producers. |
| Tea | Informal | Misleading label. | This label of this tea is still under discussion. |
| Wine Gums | Informal | Contained a large number of dark specks some of which consisted of particles of scorched gum and some of dust. | Although the scorched gum was considered objectionable by the Public Analyst, after discussion with him it was agreed that it was not harmful. The manufacturers have been asked to investigate the matter and warned that they may be involved in legal proceedings. |
| Wine (Spanish Rose) | Informal | The description did not appear to constitute an "appropriate designation" as required by the Labelling of Food Order. | Inquiries have been made through various trade channels and there appears to be some divergence of views about the comments of the Public Analyst. Further discussions are taking place. |
| Yoghourt | Informal | The sample was made from separated milk and contained only 0.3 per cent of fat. | This product was labelled "Yog-hourt" and although in the statement of ingredients skimmed milk was mentioned there was no indication in the general body of the label of this fact. After correspondence with the producers they have agreed on a fresh printing of the label to use the words , . . "Yoghourt (non fat, skimmed milk)". |
PROSECUTION Food and Drugs Act, 1955
| Section | Of fence | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Sale on two occasions of cheese unfit for human consumption. | Vendor fined £50 on each of two summonses in addition to 10 guineas costs. |
FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955 (Section 16)
This Section provides for registration of premises for the sale, manufacture for sale or
storage of ice cream, or the preparation or manufacture of sausages or potted, pressed, pickled or
preserved food intended for sale. 147 such premises were registered at the end of the year.
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