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
Stepney 1921
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]
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Table O
| Number. | Name. | Adulteration and action. |
|---|---|---|
| E64 | Whisky | This formal sample following up E61 was served from a similar bottle. After dividing the sample in the usual manner, the inspector examined the bottle from which his assistant had been served, and found that the label stated that the sample was "below" 43° U.P., the word "below" being in very small type. The sample was submitted as 43° U.P., and was found to contain 7 per cent. of excess water. The vendor was prosecuted. The Magistrate, taking into consideration that there had been no overcharge (the Spirits Prices Order was then in force) dismissed the summons on the vendor undertaking to adopt a label giving greater prominence to the word "below." |
| B51 | Gin | Informal sample. A notice was exhibited in the bar stating that all spirits were diluted but not below "half proof strength." Compared with this very low standard the sample contained 4 per cent. of excess water. Same vendor as B63. |
| B63 | Gin | Compared with whisky of "half proof strength," this sample contained 2 per cent. of excess water. The vendor was cautioned. |
At the present time the position of spirits with regard to the Food and
Drugs Acts is very unsatisfactory. The law requires that spirits shall not be
weaker than 35° U.P., but vendors of diluted spirits can protect themselves by
the exhibition of notices to the effect that the spirits they sell are weaker.
These notices are often very misleading. Thus two samples of gin were
purchased at a bar where a notice was shown stating that spirits were "below
43° U.P." The samples were 55° U.P. and 56° U.P., and compared with gin
of 43° U.P., contained 21 and 22 per cent. of water respectively. No ordinary
purchaser would be likely to think that the notice was intended to cover such
a high degree ot dilution. I consider that there should be a statutory form of
notice, stating the dilution of the spirits sold, in words that the general public
can understand. Notices are commonly met with stating that "to meet the
requirements of the Food and Drugs Acts all spirits are sold as diluted spirits."
Such notices are to evade the Acts and should be required to make this clear.
Drugs.
Ninety samples were analysed of which ten, or 11.1 per cent. were
adulterated. Samples of the following drugs were taken:— Ammoniated
Tincture of Quinine, Boric Ointment, Borax, Camphorated Oil, Castor Oil,
Epsom Salts, Glauber's Salts, Glycerine, Lime Water, Milk Sugar, Olive Oil,
Seidlitz Powders, White Precipitate Ointment, Zinc Ointment.