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 1968

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

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19
during the early part of the week, could be obtained.
25 formal samples of milk were purchased from roundsmen in the City area. These were
taken to the Public Analyst for examination and all proved satisfactory.
Formal samples of spirits, purchased from Public Houses in the City and examined by the
Public Analyst were all found to conform to the legal standard.
It was not found necessary to initiate legal action in respect of any of the samples referred
to above.
However, during the course of the year a number of complaints were again received from
members of the public regarding various articles of food alleged to be unfit for human consumption,
or alternatively containing extraneous material. All these complaints were investigated and, as
a result, legal proceedings were instituted in five cases resulting in the imposition of fines
varying from £5 to £50.

Table: ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION REGARDING ADULTERATION OR OTHER IRREGULARITY

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION REGARDING ADULTERATION OR OTHER IRREGULARITY

[ArticleInformal or Formal SampleNature of adulteration or irregularityAction
Biscuits (Ratafias)InformalThe biscuits had an objectionable taste due to rancid fat and were unfit for consumption.Appropriate representations were made to the manufacturers.
Bread PuddingInformalContained a sharp fragment of brown glass weighing one gramme and measuring ½ inch across.A cautionary letter was sent to the caterer concerned.
Carrot JuiceInformalThe sample did not consist of carrot juice but of a diluted carrot puree containing water, 3 parts, carrot, 2 parts, with a little sugar and salt.All stocks of this commodity have been withdrawn from sale until an amended label has been prepared.
*Cheese and Pickle SandwichInformalContained a thin splinter of glass, nearly ½ inch long.Appropriate representations were made, to the caterer concerned.
*Cheese RollInformalContained baked in the bread was a small piece of white cotton material.Appropriate representations were made to the baker concerned.
Cheese (Rahm Brie)InformalThe sample, which consisted of full fat soft cheese, was not labelled in the manner required by the Cheese Regulations,Representations were made to the firm concerned. An assurance was received that in future all cheese would be labelled in accordance with the provisions of the Cheese Regulations, 1965,
Cheese Processed (Vollfett-Schmelkase Canned)InformalThe sample was not labelled in the manner required by the Cheese Regulations,Representations were made to the firm concerned. An assurance was received that in future all cheese would be labelled in accordance with the provisions of the Cheese Regulations, 1965.
*Cheese and Tomato RollInformalContained under some webbing in a depression in the crust was a small live caterpillar.Notwithstanding a detailed investigation it was impossible to determine whether the caterer or the baker was responsible. Because of this uncertainty it was deemed inadvisable to initiate legal action.
*Welsh RarebitInformalContained in the cheese covering was a greenish patch which was due to the presence of a small quantity of a compound of iron.Appropriate representations were made to the caterer concerned.
Cream SlicesInformalThe slices contained an imitation cream made from emulsified fat, sugar and water.These cakes are known as French pastries and in this instance the cake in question was mistakenly labelled in the tray. Appropriate representations were made to the retailer concerned.