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 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Haringey]
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Details of Unsatisfactory Samples
| Sample | Irregularity | Comment. |
|---|---|---|
| Bread and Butter | The spread described as "Butter/Margarine mixture" contains only 2% butter. | Vendor warned |
| Double Cream | Fat content below minimum required (46.8% - Minimum 48%) | Warning letter sent |
| Drugs | Tablets in pack broken | Further sample found to be satisfactory |
| Fish and fish preparations | Two samples of potted pastes contained unauthorised colouring agent: PONCEAU MX | Old stock: withdrawn by manufacturer |
| Food additives | Three samples of Finings contained sulphur dioxide contrary to Preservatives in Food Regs. | In correspondence with manufacturers |
| Gravy preparations | Gravy browning contained 5.9% fuel oil | Warning letter sent to manufacturer. Remainder of stock withdrawn by them |
| Milk | Four samples contained less than the minimum of 3.0% fat which genuine milk is presumed to contain | No evidence of adulteration. Deficiencies may have been in morning milkings. Producers and local authorities for their areas advised. |
| Nuts and Nut Preparations | Creamed coconut had lost oil | Probably stored under warm conditions allowing loss of oil. Shop keeper warned. Stock withdrawn |
| Sausages etc. | Sausages said to contain 90% meat had only 82% | Retailer advised. No confirmation of alleged statement as to content |
| Soft drinks | 1) Low calorie lemonade contained cyclamate which is no longer a permitted sweetener | Manufacturer notified. Remainder of stock including similar products withdrawn by manufacturer |
| 2) Almond flavour drink fermenting | Warning letter sent. Remainder of stock surrendered | |
| Vegetables and Veg. Preparations | Rhubarb in syrup contained insect larva | Warning sent to manufacturer |
Labelling Irregularities
| List of ingredients incomplete or absent | 8 |
| List of ingredients included generic terms | 5 |
| Alcoholic declaration incorrect or less than minimum height | 4 |
| No name and address given | 1 |
Food Complaints
91 complaints of unsound foodstuffs were investigated and, where appropriate, legal proceedings were instituted
or warning letters sent. Details are shown in the following table:—
33