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 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barnet Urban District Council]
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ICE CREAM.
Ninety-seven samples of ice cream were taken, from retailers in the district, during the year with results as shown below which are considered satisfactory.
| Manufacturer. | Grade I. | Grade II. | Grade III. | Grade IV. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 40 | — | 1 | — | 41 |
| B | 46 | — | — | — | 46 |
| F | 10 | — | — | — | 10 |
| Total | 96 | — | 1 | — | 97 |
All samples of ice cream are taken to the Central Public Health
Laboratory, Colindale, for testing by the Methylene Blue Test.
One hundred and seventeen samples were taken this year from the ice
cream factory registered in the district, twice the number taken last year.
The general standard, indicated by the laboratory, should show some 50% of
samples in Grade I, 80% in Grades I and II, and not more than 20% in Grade
III and none in Grade IV.
The corresponding figures from samples we have taken, at all points
of production are as follows
67.5%; 94.0%; and just over 4%.
These figures on their own give a quite satisfactory picture, but there
were also two samples in Grade IV, these are two too many, and can only be
considered as due to the human element which occasionally falters.
There are now forty-two premises registered for the storage and sale of
ice cream, after allowing for one new registration effected during 1956, and
two cancelled following closure of the premises.
DAIRIES. COWSHEDS AND MILKSHOPS.
The control of the production of milk is vested in the Ministry of
Agriculture Fisheries and Food.
The local authority is responsible for the inspection and registration