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
Beckenham 1941
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beckenham]
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22
County Analyst in respect of a sample of mustard which
was adulterated to the extent of 15 per cent. of starch.
The Vendors were prosecuted but the case was dismissed
on payment of £3. 3. 0. costs.
Bomb Damage.
54 visits were made to food shops after damage by
blast and a large quantity of food examined for the
presence of glass particles.Some of the damaged food
was used for poultry feeding and a small amount diverted
to manufacturing purposes.
Meat Inspection.
All the slaughterhouses in the district are
closed for the duration of the War.
Other Poods
The various food shops in the area- were frequently
inspected and the undermentioned articles surrendered as
unfit for food.
Whenever possible the articles were put to some other useful purpose.
| Article | Condition | Weight in lbs |
|---|---|---|
| Leg of Pork | Extensive bruising | 13¼ |
| Mutton | Putrid | 4¾ |
| Beef | Putrid | 5 |
| Forequarter of Beef | Tuberculosis | 129 |
| Horseflesh | Putrid | 2½ |
| Bacon | do. | 16½ |
| Rabbits (2 cases) | do. | 130 |
| Cheese | do. | 3 |
| 3 Tins Ox Tongues | do. | 25½ |
| 13 tins of Chicken & Ham Roll | do. | 48½ |
| 1 tin Ham | do. | 16 |
| 3 tins Pork Luncheon Meat | do. | 18 . |
| Cakes | do. | 36 |
| 2 Tins Meat Roll | do. | 6 |
| 1 Tin New Potatoes | do. | 1½ |
| Eggs | do. | 344 |
| 13 tins Evaporated Milk | do. | 455½ |
| 3 Tins Condensed Milk | do. |
Rats & Mice Destruction.
The services of a Rat Catcher were retained throughout
six months of the year and systematic treatment given
to various properties owned by the Corporation. A
considerable amount of time was necessary to deal with
bombed sites which became infested.