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
Barnet 1939
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barnet Urban District Council]
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The following table shows the number and nature of the samples taken in the Urban District of Barnet, with the results of the analyses.
| Article | No. of Samples Taken | Genuine | Adulterated | Extent & Form of Adulteration | Remarks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Fat | 2 | 2 | _ | ||
| Cream | 1 | 1 | — | ||
| Lard | 4 | 3 | 1 | See below x | |
| Milk | 15 | 12 | " " | ||
| Jam | 2 | 2 | - | ||
| Flour | 3 | 3 | - | ||
| Shredded Suet | 5 | 5 | - | ||
| Malt Vinegar | 1 | 1 | - | ||
| Cane Syrup | 1 | l | - | ||
| Egg Substitute | 1 | l | - | ||
| Tinned Milk | 1 | l | - | ||
| Tomatoe Juice | 1 | l | - | ||
| Butter | 1 | 1 | — | ||
| Custard Powder | 1 | 1 | - | ||
| Sugar | 1 | l | — | ||
| Coffee | 1 | 1 | — | ||
| Fish Paste | 1 | l | _ | ||
| Tannic Acid Jelly | 1 | 1 | — | ||
| Beef Dripping | 1 | 1 | - | ||
| Tinned Peas | 1 | 1 | _ | ||
| Chocolate | 1 | 1 | — | ||
| Pork Sausages | 2 | Contained Sulphur Dioxide | See below ø | ||
| Beef Sausages | 1 | " " | " " | ||
| Totals | 49 | 45 | 4 | - | - |
These three milk samples were respectively 2% added water, 12% and 11%
deficient in milk fat. In the first two cases the Vendors were both convicted and
fined £5. and 10/6 costs, and in the third case the Vendor was cautioned, three
'Appeal to Cow' samples being taken at his request and containing 2.87%, 3.15% and
2.50% milk fat respectively.
x The sample of Lard taken was an informal one and by the time the result of the
analysis was known, the consignment had been sold 2nd a formal sample could not be
obtained.
ø The sausages were found to contain Sulphur dioxide within the prescribed
limits, but no notification of presence of preservative was given at the time of
purchase end the vendors were cautioned.
DRAINAGE AND SANITARY CONVENIENCES.
The drains or sanitary fittings of 96 premises were found to bo in some respect
defective. In 12 cases it was found necessary to take up and entirely relay
the drains. In 76 cases drains were found to be stopped up. 32 water closets,
13 sinks, 119 water closet cisterns, 97 inspection chambers and 8 soil pipes were
renewed or repaired. 2 cesspools were abolished.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACT. 1936, SECTION 75„
Eighty dustbins were provided after intimation to replace worn out receptacles,
or absence of same. The provision of a proper sanitary dustbin is a very useful
health measure. It also secures uniformity of receptacle and makes the task of the
dustmen cleaner and easier.