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
Shoreditch 1898
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
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49
The number of samples annually taken and the percentages of those found to be
adulterated from the year 1890 to 1898 inclusive are set out below in
TABLE XXVIII.
| Year. | Number of Samples Analysed. | Percentage found Adulterated. |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 105 | 29.9 |
| 1891 | 95 | 31.5 |
| 1892 | 102 | 32.3 |
| 1893 | 119 | 20.1 |
| 1894 | 103 | 18.4 |
| 1895 | 190 | 17.8 |
| 1896 | 156 | 17.9 |
| 1897 | 184 | 22.8 |
| 1898 | 153 | 13.0 |
Of 1207 samples analysed for the Vestry during the past 9 years, 261 or 21.6 per
cent. were found to be adulterated, or not of the substance, nature, or quality
demanded by the purchasers.
The samples taken by the inspector during 1898 included 83 of milk, 67 of
butter, and 3 of condensed separated milk.
Of the 83 samples of milk, 61 were genuine, 14 were adulterated or were not of
proper quality, and 8 shewed that there was a small percentage of water beyond the
normal. In ten instances the vendors were proceeded against, and convictions were
obtained in seven, in one case a penalty of £20 with 12/6 costs was inflicted, the
vendor having been previously convicted. In the three cases where the proceedings
failed, the vendors were protected by warranties. Counsel's opinion was taken as to
the advisability of proceeding against the persons giving the warranties. It was,
however, not deemed advisable to proceed against these persons as there were certain
peculiarities in connection with the cases which rendered it impossible to identify the
milks warranted. The matter was considered by the Public Health Committee who
gave instructions for the facts of these cases to be brought under the notice of the
Local Government Board.
Of the 67 samples of butter, 6 were found to be adulterated, being mainly
composed of fats other than butter-fat. Proceedings were taken and convictions
were obtained in every case. In two cases penalties of £20 with 12/6 costs were
inflicted. Seven samples of butter were taken in Shoreditch by a private person and
were analysed by the public analyst, four were found to be samples of margarine.
Altogether 20 samples were found adulterated, or not of the nature, substance, or
quality demanded by the purchaser, proceedings were taken in 16 cases, convictions
were obtained in 13 cases, fines were inflicted amounting to £87, and £8 9s. 6d. costs
were allowed.