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Milk Supply.
The number of registered distributors of milk in the Borough is 78, and there
are 5 dairy premises. The Council has also approved the registration of a further
25 distributors of milk who are selling milk in the area from premises outside the
Borough. Under the provisions of the Milk (Special Designations) Regulations, 146
dealers' licences and 71 supplementary licences authorising the use of special designations
have been issued.
The standard of the milk supply was found to be satisfactory; practically all
the milk distributed in the Borough is heat treated, being supplied by a few large
dairy companies.
All the 157 samples of milk submitted for chemical analysis contained 3 per
cent. or more of fat. Actual figures were:—
Number of Samples.
4.5 per cent. and over 0
4 per cent. and under 4.5 per cent. 6
3.5 per cent. and under 4 per cent. 43
3 per cent. and under 3.5 per cent. 108
Below 3 per cent. 0
The Public Analyst observes that although no samples fell below 3 per cent. fat,
the majority were again below 3.5 per cent. suggesting a persistent drift towards
poorer milk.
During the year 261 samples of milk (all pasteurised) were submitted to the
Methylene Blue test for the keeping quality of milk. Four samples failed to satisfy
the test and in these cases repeat samples were immediately obtained and were
reported as satisfactory.
Of the 281 samples of pasteurised milk submitted to the Phosphatase test for
adequate heat treatment, the test was satisfied in respect of 274 samples. In the
seven cases where an unsatisfactory report was received, further samples were
immediately obtained and were reported as satisfactory.
Nine samples of sterilised milk were submitted for turbidity test in accordance
with the Milk (Special Designations) (Pasteurised and Sterilised) Regulations, 1949,
and satisfactory reports were received in each case.
A total of 141 samples of milk were obtained from milk roundsmen in the course
of early morning deliveries to schools, hospitals and institutions in the Borough.
Of these samples, 37 were submitted for chemical examination, 52 for the Phosphatase
test and 52 for the Methylene Blue test.
Milk (Special Designations)—Specified Areas. By the Food and Drugs (Milk,
Dairies and Artificial Cream) Act, 1950, the Ministry of Food is empowered to make
Orders specifying areas within which the use of special designations relating to milk
sold by retail becomes obligatory. Up to the present time the use of special designations
has been a voluntary act.
Following a survey for the Ministry of Food, the Minister has informed Local
Authorities that he is satisfied that the consumer demand in the London and Portsmouth
areas can be met by supplies of special designated milk. Subject to consultation
with appropriate representative organisations, he intends to lay Orders
before Parliament, the effect of which will be that from the 1st October, 1951, all
milk sold by retail within these areas must be special designated milk, i.e., sterilised,
pasteurised, Tuberculin Tested or accredited milk from a single herd.
The Ministry of Food has stated that Local Authorities concerned with the
execution and enforcement of Milk (Special Designations) Regulations in specified
areas will have added responsibilities as the agents of the Central Government for
carrying into effect the policy contained in recent legislation. The Minister believes
that Authorities are alive to the importance of maintaining a high standard as regards
the use of special designations, and that they will take all possible action to ensure
the proper and efficient discharge of these duties.
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