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With the exception of one sample, all of the 228 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 1
4 per cent. and under 4.5 per cent. 3
3.5 per cent. and under 4 per cent. 121
3 per cent. and under 3.5 per cent. 102
Below 3 per cent. 1
228
The Public Analyst observes that the apparent improvement in average fat
content as compared with the three preceding years is probably due mainly to the
sampling, the majority of the samples having been taken in the winter months
when the fat is normally at its highest level (148 in September-February compared
with 80 in March-August).
During the year 180 samples of milk (Pasteurised and Tuberculin Tested Pasteurised)
were submitted to the Methylene Blue test for the keeping quality of milk.
All samples were reported as satisfactory. Of the 183 samples of Pasteurised and
Tuberculin Tested Pasteurised milk submitted to the phosphatase test for adequate
pasteurisation, the test was satisfied in 181 cases. In the two cases where an unsatisfactory
report was received further samples were immediately obtained and
were reported as satisfactory. Seven samples of Sterilised and Tuberculin Tested
Sterilised milk were submitted for the turbidity test in accordance with the Milk
(Special Designations) (Pasteurised and Sterilised Milk) Regulations, 1949, and
satisfactory reports were received in each case.
In accordance with the practice carried out for many years in Woolwich, samples
of milk were obtained from milk roundsmen in the course of early morning deliveries
to schools, hospitals and institutions in the Borough. Altogether, 80 such samples
were obtained. Of these samples, 36 were submitted for chemical examination,
27 for the Phosphatase test and 27 for the Methylene Blue test.
Analysis of Samples of Milk.
During the year four samples of milk taken informally and three samples taken
formally were reported by the Public Analyst to contain a deficiency of milk solids
other than fat, corresponding to the presence of 1 per cent. of added water. By way of
explanation the dairy company concerned stated that when the solids-not-fat of
milk is at, or at times even below, the presumptive standard, the calculation
of the total solids will often give results from which one would presume minute
traces of added water. The company stated that the period in the early part of the
year during which the solids-not-fat in milk are normally near to or even below
the presumptive standard had been greatly extended during the spring of 1951
owing to the abnormally severe weather conditions experienced. In consequence
the company said they were receiving much genuine milk which fell below 8.5 per
cent, solids-not-fat and even by bulking they had found themselves at times unable
to reach the presumptive Government standard.
The poor-quality milk due to the above-mentioned reasons was also experienced
during the early part of the year by other milk distributors.
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. Until
this year the use of a special designation has been a voluntary act. Following
a survey by the Ministry of Food, the Minister informed local authorities that he
was satisfied that the consumer demand in the London area could be met by the
supply of special designated milk and after consultation with appropriate repre-
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