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 1963

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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36.
FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION (Contd.)
Merchandise Marks Act, 1926.
There were no contraventions of the above Act during the year and strict
observation was kept of all food premises and stalls in the Borough in
relation to this subject.
Food Complaints.
Taking into consideration the vast quantity and variety of food that is
now available, the number of complaints received at the office from members
of the public represents a negligible percentage. Nevertheless, they do reveal
in certain significances, inspite of automation and mechanisation the human
element is still the most important factor to be reckoned with.
The cause of the complaint in the majority of cases, when investigated,
indicates that the product has not necessarily been rendered injurious to
health, but the laxity on the part of somebody in some form or other has
been responsible for either the condition of the product or for the presence
of the foreign matter in the product.

Table: During the course of investigations, certain recommendations have been made to obviate the possibility of recurrence of such complaints, and attention has been directed to the cleanliness of those parts of the machinery which could have been instrumental in causing the complaint.

During the course of investigations, certain recommendations have been made to obviate the possibility of recurrence of such complaints, and attention has been directed to the cleanliness of those parts of the machinery which could have been instrumental in causing the complaint.

ComplaintResult of action taken
Mouldy condition of sausage roll.Investigations revealed that errors of judgement on all sides were the causeo The Company concerned undertook to institute necessary disciplinary measures to prevent recurrence.
Mouldy condition of Pork pie.Conflicting reports confused the issue of purchase date. The Company was sent a letter pointing out the advisability of correct date coding.
Foreign substance adhering to inside of milk bottle.Failure of human element to detect unsatisfactory condition of bottle - No damage to milk. Letter of reprimand to Company.
Foreign substance in loaf of bread.Proved to be dirty aggregate of vegetable and mineral fragments - Bakehouse in general is kept clean. Letter sent to Company - assurance given to attend to possible sources of contamination.