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
Haringey 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Haringey]
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Details of Unsatisfactory Samples
| Sample | Irregularity | Comments and action taken |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages | (a) Composition 3 samples of liqueurs contained less alcohol than was claimed on the label | Still in correspondence with distributors further samples to be taken |
| 1 sample contained gold leaf, an additive which is not permitted by the Colouring Matter in Food Regulations | Although stated by manufacturers that the substance had no effect on the colouring, they were informed that the new Regulations will not permit its use in liqueurs | |
| Tomato Puree | 3 samples found to contain excessive proportions of tin, due to an attack by the contents on the metal of the can | Matter reported to Minister of Agriculture Fisheries & Food, who took this up with Italian Authorities. Manufacturers of this product have not been exporting to Engal and for some years and it is assumed that the tins sampled were very old stock |
| Sausages | The drained sausages from a sample of canned frankfurters in brine were found to contain only 60% total meat whereas in the opinion of the Analyst a reasonable minimum would be 65% | Further consideration deferred pending publication of new Regulations |
| Chocolate preparations | Two boxes of liqueur chocolates had deteriorated and most of the chocolates were devoid of filling On further investigation they were found to be old stock | Vendor warned |
| Cream | Milk fat in a sample of Ultra Heat Treated Cream was 19.9%, whereas in the opinion of the analyst it is sterilised cream and should contain not less than 23% | Awaiting official declaration from Ministry. |
| Drugs | (1) A sample of French throat pastilles were coloured with, amongst other colours, Patent Blue V, a colouring matter which is permitted in France but not in England | Importers contacted and requested to ensure that future supplies will comply with current legislation |
| (2) The formaldehyde content of Formalin tablets was only about half the minimum prescribed by the B.P.C. due, it was thought to inadequate or over long storage | The pharmacist concerned undertook only to supply this product in hermetically sealed containers in the future | |
| (3) Two samples of Boric Acid dusting powder were found to contain incorrect amounts of boric acid compared with the requirements of the British Pharmaceutical Codex | One sample was very old stock; chemist withdrew remainder. Other may have been of powder no longer on market— difficulty in identifying manufacturer | |
| Sausage rolls | Two samples from same retailer were considered to contain such a low meat content as to be reasonable cause for objection (8% and 10% total meat respectively). | Vendor selling these as "savouries" and was warned regarding adequate labelling and other precautions |