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to each of these, and from replies received it is clear that, with the exception referred
to, all milk is subjected to heat by the various wholesale dealers.
This fact has an important bearing upon the safety of milk as a food for the
young. During the last ten years the Maternity & Child Welfare Committee have
supplied a large amount of milk from the milk shops in the Borough to nursing and
expectant mothers, infants and young children. During 1930 the amount supplied
was approximately 30,500 gallons. It is known from the London County Council
Reports that an appreciable percentage of this milk contains tubercle bacilli, and
that it does not otherwise conform to a satisfactory bacteriological standard, but
tuberculosis and infantile diarrhoea, the two diseases to be feared as a result of giving
milk thus contaminated to infants and young children, have shown a definite tendency
to decrease during this period.
There are doubtless other factors to be considered, but it is reasonable to suppose
that the fact that it has been possible to give away 1,200 pints and more of undesignated
milk daily for ten years without any ill effects having become apparent is
largely attributable to the heating of milk by the wholesale dealers.
Milk and Cream Regulations, 1912.
None of the samples of milk submitted for analysis were reported to contain
any preservative.
Three samples of cream were submitted for analysis none of which were reported
to contain any preservative.
Condensed Milk Regulations.
Sixteen samples of condensed milk were submitted for analysis under the above
Regulations, all of which were certified to comply with the standard laid down by
the Regulations.
Milk and Dairies Order, 1926.
General observation was kept on all purveyors of milk by the Food and Drug
Inspectors. In one case a purveyor of milk was observed " filling bottles in the
street." Legal proceedings were instituted and the defendant was fined 10s.
Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, Orders.
General observation was kept of all stalls and shops in the Borough where
foodstuffs scheduled under these Orders were exposed for sale. Thirty-four warning
letters were sent in respect of minor infringements. These proved effective and no
further action was necessary.
Meat Regulations, 1924.
General observation was kept of all meat stalls where butcher's meat was exposed
for sale. Ten warning letters were sent in respect of minor infringements.
Smoke Nuisances.
There were 3 communications from the London County Council referring to
the emission of black smoke. These were duly brought to the notice of the parties
responsible. Some 748 observations were made by the Sanitary Inspectors and in