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
Coulsdon and Purley 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Coulsdon]
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| Canned Milk and Cream | — | 10 | 12 |
| Meat, Bacon, Poultry etc. | 6 | 51 | 4 |
| Fish | 2 | 41 | 4 |
| Fresh Vegetables | 14 | 101 | 10 |
| Fresh Fruit | 4 | 107 | 3 |
| Butter, Fats and Cheese | 3 | 87 | 2 |
| Sugar, Jam, etc. | 5 | 62 | 7 |
| Meat and Fish Pastes | — | 3 | 7¼ |
| Coffee | — | 27 | — |
| Flour, Bread, Cereals and Biscuits | 5 | 98 | 10½ |
| Pickles and Sauces | 4 | 42 | 10½ |
| Dried Fruit | 3 | 68 | 10 |
| Eggs | — | 75 | 2 |
| Miscellaneous | — | 99 | 11¾ |
| Total | 56 | 99 | 2½ |
| Wines and Spirits, Beer and Soft Drinks | 76 gallons | ||
FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955.
A list of the very varied articles of which samples were submitted
to the Public Analyst is available. Altogether 168 samples
(including 6 informal ones) were examined of 78 products. Samples
of milk (59) were much the most numerous, the next highest being
sweets (7) spirits (6) and soup (4).
Only 5 samples were reported as not being genuine, i.e. of the
nature, substance and quality of the article demanded. The
following are the substances concerned and the result of the action
taken
Cough Mixture
The Analyst criticised the labelling and the manufacturers
accepted his suggested alteration.
Pork Sausages:
The Public Analyst reported that this sample contained a meat
content including fat of 57%, and observed that in his experience
pork sausages of ordinary commercial quality contained not less
than 65% of meat including fat. Having regard to the price being
charged for this commodity, and in view of recent High Court
decisions on similar cases, it was decided to take no action in the
matter.
Fresh Cream:
The Analyst criticised the labelling and accompanying leaflet
and the Company agreed to make the necessary modifications.
Icing Sugar:
A minor labelling offence was amended.
Assorted Swiss Cheeses:
The Public Analyst reported that a portion of this processed
cheese described on the label as "Cream Gruyere Cheese" was
deficient in milk fat. In view of the representations made, the
manufacturers decided to omit, in future, the cream cheese portion
from the assorted box.
51