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 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]
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Of the 481 samples analysed, 2 formal and 28 informal were found to be unsatisfactory, as follows:-
| Article | Formal or Informal | Nature of Irregularity | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Beans. | Informal | Showed signs of insect attack and had pungent odour probably derived from sacking. | Released for oil extraction. |
| Raw Beef. | Informal | Horseflesh. | Fined £5 with £3.8.0d costs. |
| Raw Liver. | Informal | Horseflesh. | |
| Almond Oil. | Informal | Contained 0.85 per cent. water. | Wet bottle used. Vendor advised. |
| Milk. | Formal | Contained 11.5 per cent added water. | Cautionary letter sent. |
| Coffee Beans. | Informal | Heavily contaminated with moulds. | Roleased for manufacturing purposes. |
| Mango Pickle. | Informal | No statement of ingredients. | Imported from India. Importer advised re labelling. |
| Indian Stomach Medicine. | Informal | No formula stated. | Do. |
| Pork Sausages. | Formal | 22 per cent, deficient in meat. | Cautionary letter sent to Vendor. |
| Pork Sausages. | Informal | Contained undeclared Sulphur Dioxide (110 parts per million). | Formal samples to be obtained. |
| Pork Sausages. | Informal | Contained undeclared Sulphur Dioxide (340 parts per million). | Formal sample satisfactory. |
| Lebanese Apples. (9 samples) | Informal | Contained arsenic and lead in amounts varying from 1-10 and 6-36 parts per million, respectively. | Amounts of arsenic and lead reduced by washing and then released. |
(Contd.)
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