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
Havering 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Havering]
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FOOD HYGIENE
Food & Drug Administration
A total of 555 samples (53 formal, 502 informal) were
taken during the year and examined by the Public Analyst.
One formal sample of Channel Island Pasteurised Milk
contained 0.07 international units of penicillin antibiotics.
Following thorough investigation of the case a warning letter
was sent to the producer concerned.
A formal sample of herb tea had excessive sand and a
formal sample of tonic water did not contain quinine. In both
these cases warnings were sent to the manufacturers concerned
after full consideration had been given to the facts of each case.
Six informal samples had faulty labelling and the manufacturers
were informed and the necessary remedial action taken.
Included in the above figures are 48 food complaints which
were referred to the Public Analyst. 161 other food complaints
were dealt with without reference to the Analyst.
13 prosecutions were taken, resulting in fines totalling £260 being imposed and costs amounting to £89.40 being awarded to the Council. Details of these cases appear below:-
| Complaint | Result of Proceedings | |
|---|---|---|
| Wire in bread | £20 fine | £6 costs |
| Insect larvae in figs | £20 fine | £5 costs |
| " " peppermint cream | £20 fine | £5 costs |
| Paper in bread | £10 fine | £5 costs |
| Mouldy sandwich | £10 fine | £2 costs |
| Steak contaminated by mice | £25 fine | £5 costs |
| Wood in bread | £10 fine | £8 costs |
| Biscuit containing Elastoplast | £25 fine | £9.70 costs |
| Mouldy beef suet | £20 fine | £10 costs |
| Mouldy meat pie | £20 fine | £6 costs |
| Mouldy blackcurrant tarts | £30 fine | £8 costs |
| Mouldy party pies | £25 fine | £5 costs |
| Wood louse in chicken and ham dinner | £25 fine | £14.70 costs |