Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]
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(b) Bacteriological Examination of Milk.
During the year 96 samples of milk were sent to the Public Health Laboratory at Epsom, and the following is a tabulated statement of the resuits:-
| Phosphatase Test | Methylene Blue Test | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass | Fail | Pass | Fail | Void | |
| T.T .Pasteurised | 37 | 1 | 37 | 1 | – |
| Pasteurised | 41 | – | 33 | 6 | 2 |
| Tuberculin Tested | — | – | 13 | 1 | 3 |
| 78 | 1 | 83 | 8 | 5 | |
All the samples of pasteurised milk but one passed the phosphatase
test which indicates that the milk has been properly pasteurised. The
methylene blue test is a measure of the bacteriological condition of
the milk and in accordance with the standard set by the Milk (Special
Designations) Regulations 1960, this test is void if the atmospheric
shade temperature exceeds 70º F. during the period of the test. Eight
samples failed this test, of these, seven were from milk dispensers used
in cafes and snack bars. The sampling of milk from these sources revealed
that cleansing of the fittings was not being carried out- satisfactorily.
As a result of action taken by the department, proper cleansing routines
were established.
(c) Ice Cream.
The number of registered premises in the Borough in which ice cream
may-be stored or from which it may be sold is 173. This figure also
includes five producers. In addition to these dealers and producers,
there are other premises, such as restaurants, canteens, cinemas, etc.
where ice cream is sold. These premises are not required to be
registered. By far the greater part of the ice cream sold in the
town is obtained from manufacturers whose premises are situate outside
the Borough.
The following table shows the results of examination in respect of
66 samples submitted to the Ministry of Health Public Health Laboratory
at Epsom during 1964. Owing to the numerous factors governing the
hygienic quality of ice cream, undue attention is not paid to the
bacteriological results on any single sample. Those which are placed
within Grades I and II are considered to be satisfactory, and those
within Grades III and IV not so.
Adequate follow-up action is taken
where samples fall within the latter grades.