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 1922
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
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33
Of the samples of milk 42 or 7.2 per cent. were found to be below the standard
fixed by the Board of Agriculture. The proportion of milk samples returned as
adulterated during 1922 was again below the average. It is, however, to be mentioned
that 6 of the samples were only below standard to a very slight extent and the
Public Analyst noted them as being possibly genuine. If these be deducted the
percentage of adulteration is reduced to 6.2.
In the subjoined table are shown the numbers of samples of milk taken during the four quarters of the year with the numbers and percentages of those found not to be genuine
| Quarter of the year. | Number of Samples. | Number not genuine. | Percentage adulterated. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 159 | 21 | 13.2 |
| 2nd | 146 | 15 | 10.3 |
| 3rd | 110 | 5 | 4.5 |
| 4th | 167 | 1 | 0.6 |
In 13 of the samples water was certified to have been added, in all of which it
was less than 5 per cent., taking the standard of the Board of Agriculture. In one of
these added colouring matter was certified to have been present. In 20 the samples
showed deficiencies of milk-fat; in 1 it was 5 per cent., in 8 the deficiency was more
and in 11 it was less than 5 per cent. Colouring matter was noted as being present
in one of the last.
Three samples of separated milk and two of skimmed milk were taken. One of
the samples of separated milk was certified to contain 2 per cent. added water and added
colouring matter, the others were all returned as genuine. Three samples of milk
powder were analysed, one of which was found to be deficient in milk-fat to the extent
of 5 per cent. Three samples of dried milk and one of evaporated milk were also
analysed and returned genuine.
Legal proceedings were instituted in 9 or 21.4 per cent. of the cases in which
samples of milk were below standard. In 3 instances the summonses were dismissed,
warranties being proved. In 5 instances the defendants were not fined, but the
Borough Council were allowed costs. In 1 instance the summons was dismissed
on the ground that the milk in the shop from which the sample had been taken was
not intended for sale. No legal proceedings were considered advisable as regards
the remainder of the samples below standard. The percentage of the adulterated
samples of milk in which it was not thought advisable to institute legal proceedings
was 78.6, which is above the average. In the 5 cases in which costs were allowed
the aggregate amounted to £'17 17s., the average amount paid by the defendants
as costs was £3 11s. 5d.
C