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
Hendon 1962
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hendon]
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The arrangement is welcomed by the shop-keepers and their Architects, the
Public Health Inspectors, as a result of their experience in dealing with the
different types of food premises, often being in a position to make recommendations
which not only improve the standard of hygiene but also give better working
conditions at the premises.
COMPLAINTS OF FOREIGN MATTER IN FOODS
Nineteen complaints were made to the Department during the year and below are details of the action taken.
| Complaint | Action |
|---|---|
| Selling two packets of Vienna sausages later found to be partially in a state of putrefaction. | There appeared to be no neglect on the part of the retailer. The sausages were manufactured in Dublin and outside the jurisdiction of the English Courts. Warning letters were sent to both manufacturer and retailer. |
| Selling confectionery which had been nibbled by mice. | Legal proceedings taken against retailers for selling food unfit for human consumption under Section 8, Food and Drugs Act, 1955. The defendants pleaded guilty and the Magistrates imposed a fine of £20 and awarded the Council £5.5.0d. costs. |
| Selling pork pie containing mould growth. | The pie appeared to have been kept too long on the retailer's premises. Legal proceedings were accordingly taken against the retailers who pleaded guilty. The Magistrates imposed a fine of £5 and awarded the Council £5.5.0d. costs. |
| Selling sliced and wrapped loaf found to contain mould growth. | The loaf, which had been set aside for return to the manufacturer was accidentally sold by an assistant. The retailer had only recently commenced business and the case was dealt with by sending him a warning letter. |
| Selling chocolate gateau containing mould growth. | This cake was also said to have been set aside as "stale" for return to the manufacturer, but had inadvertantly been sold. As there had been previous complaints regarding food supplied by the retailer, legal proceedings were taken. The Magistrates imposed a fine of £10 and awarded the Council £5.5.0d. costs. |