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
East Barnet 1951
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Barnet]
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Ninety-six samples of milk were purchased and submitted for
bacteriological examination to the Ministry of Health's Emergency
Public Health Laboratory, at Hertford.
The following is a summary of the results of the examinations:—
| No. or Samples Submitted | Test applied:— (a) Methylene blue. (b) Turbidity (c) Phosphatase. | Result of Examination. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undesignated | 2 | (a) | Satisfactory |
| T.T. Pasteurised | 17 | ,, | |
| T.T. Farm Bottled | 15 | ,, | |
| Pasteurised | 19 | (a) and (c) | |
| Homogenised Past. | 13 | ,, | |
| Sterilised | 16 | ||
| Channel Islands Pasteurised | 8 | ,, | |
| South Devon Pasteurised | 6 |
A copy ot the report ot each sample was supplied to the retailer
or dairy proprietor. As in the previous year there were no unsatisfactory
samples. In 1949, 9 per cent, of samples taken were
unsatisfactory; in 1948, 3 per cent.; in 1947, 9 per cent.; in 1946,
6 per cent.; in 1945, 10 per cent.; in 1944, 7 per cent.; in 1943, 9
per cent.; in 1942, 18 per cent.; and in 1941, 33 per cent.
Ice Cream
Three applications were received for the registration of premises
for the sale of ice cream. The premises being satisfactory, all three
applications were granted.
Ninety-six samples were obtained and submitted for bacteriological examination, with the following results:—
| Provisional grade 1 | 81 |
| ,, ,, 2 | 10 |
| „ ,,3 | 0 |
| ,, „ 4 | 5 |
| 96 |
The five grade 4 samples were taken in the months of June and
July. Four of the five grade 4 samples were first samples, second
samples taken a few days later resulted in one placed in grade 1,
two in grade 2 and one again in grade 4; the third sample of this
manufacturer was in grade 2. I communicated with the manufacturers
in London, pointing out that two consecutive samples
were reported as being placed in grade 4, and asked if they would
investigate and let me have their observations.
The Company replied, stating that they were concerned to learn
that the samples had been graded other than in provisional grade 1.
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