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

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City of London 1969

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

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ArticleInformal or Formal SampleNature of adulteration or irregularityAction
*Remnants of a Mushroom OmeletteInformalContained a small mass of brown hairy matter which comprised a tangle of vegetable fibres resembling jute. The foreign matter was consistent with debris from a mushroom bed.An investigation indicated that tinned mushrooms were used in the preparation of this omelette, and appropriate representations were made to the canners.
Pizza (Mushroom Garnished)InformalConsisted of Mushroom Garnished Pizza, inadequately labelled.Appropriate representations were made to manufacturers of the commodities, who have given an undertaking that all future products will be labelled in accordance with the requirements of the Labelling of Food Order.
Chicory HeartsInformalPartly rotten and unfit for consumption.A letter of caution was sent to the retailer.
*Low Fat SpreadInformalThe specimen possessed a marked fishy smell and taste, consistent with the use of a proportion of oil derived from fish or whale.A detailed investigation failed to account for the fishy smell and taste of this commodity.
Iced Lemon Tea MixInformalContained sulphur dioxide, 70 parts per million, the presence of which was not disclosed on the label. No lemon juice was found, but the sample contained lemon flavouring. A more appropriate description would therefore be Lemon-Flavoured Tea Mix.Appropriate representations were made to the retailer and subsequently arrangements were made for an amended label to be used.
MilkInformalThe milk was sour when received (Acidity, 0.63% lactic acid).An investigation indicated that the carton of milk was part of ols stock sold in error. Appropriate representations were made to the retailer concerned.
Quick Tips TeaInformalConsisted of fine, blended tea, incorrectly labelled. The term "Tip" as applied to tea denotes the tip or bud of a growing tea shoot, and the description "Quick Tips" for an ordinary blend containing only a minute proportion of tip is incorrect.Appropriate representations were made to the retailer and arrangements have since been made for amended labels to be used.

*These samples were examined as a result of complaint by members of the Public
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