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
Marylebone 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for St. Marylebone, Metropolitan Borough]
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62
Milk.
Of the 175 samples analysed, none was found to be adulterated.
The average composition of the milk examined during 1938, as well as that for the two years preceding, was as follows:—
| Year. | Sp. Gr. | Total Solids. | Fat. | Solids not Fat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | 1031.3 | 12.29% | 3.60% | 8.69% |
| 1937 | 1031.5 | 12.36% | 3.62% | 8.74% |
| 1938 | 1031.5 | 12.24% | 3.52% | 8.72% |
Cream.
During the year 14 loose creams were examined. The fat content of these
ranged from 30.0% to 50.0%, the average being 42.53%. The tinned creams
numbered 10, and the fat varied from 20.2% to 25.0%. Each of these tinned creams
was specifically examined for tin. This metal was found to be present in every sample,
the amounts ranging from 0.075 to 0.32 grains per lb., with an average of 0.19 grains
per lb. In every instance the cream was contained in an unlacquered container.
Possibly the use of some such interior protective lining might prove efficacious in
preventing the interaction between the constituents of the cream and the metal.
Butter.
Of the 291 samples examined, none was found to be adulterated. The whole
of the 12 samples of butter and roll taken were genuine.
Preservatives.
In no instance was preservative found in any sample not permitted to contain
it. In those cases where preservative was allowed it was never found to be present
in amount exceeding that permitted by the regulations.
Drugs.
All the samples examined conformed to the standards laid down for them in
the British Pharmacopoeia."
ARTIFICIAL CREAM ACT, 1929.
Under this Act the Council are required to keep a register of all premises where
artificial cream is manufactured, sold or exposed or kept for sale for human consumption.
At the end of the year four premises appeared on the register, and in
no instance was action under the Act called for.
PUBLIC HEALTH (CONDENSED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1923 and 1927.
During the year 23 samples of condensed milk were examined and all were
found to comply with the regulations.
PUBLIC HEALTH (DRIED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1923 and 1927.
Nine samples of dried milk were taken during 1938, and in no case was there
failure to comply with the requirements.
PUBLIC HEALTH (PRESERVATIVES, ETC., IN FOOD) REGULATIONS,
1925 to 1927.
The public analyst devotes special attention to investigations for the detection
of the presence of preservatives in food. During the year it was not found necessary
to take any action under the provisions relating to this matter.