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
Twickenham 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Twickenham]
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Meat and Other Foods.
At the beginning of the year there were 13 registered and seven licensed
slaughterhouses within the borough.
A number of the registered slaughterhouses have not been used for a
number of years and as a result of representations being made to the
occupiers five premises were removed from the slaughterhouse register during
the year.
During the year, 10,624 animals were slaughtered for human consumption
within the borough and, with the exception of 10 pigs, every one was
inspected by the Sanitary Inspectors. This work is of vital importance, and
although it entails a tremendous amount of time on Sundays, public holidays
and often late at night on week-days, no effort is spared to ensure to the
public a wholesome food supply.
The following table shows the number of animals examined and action taken:—
1938.
| Cows | Other Beasts | Calves | Pigs | Sheep and Lambs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number killed | 5 | 73 | 1398 | 6134 | 3014 |
| Number inspected | 5 | 73 | 1398 | 6124 | 3014 |
| All diseases cxcept Tuberculosis. Whole carcases condemned | - | - | - | 2 | - |
| Carcases of which some ,part or organ was condemned | - | 2 | 3 | 214 | 68 |
| Percentage of number inspected affected with disease other than tuberculosis | 2.74 | 0.21 | 3.53 | 2.25 | |
| Tuberculosis only. Whole carcases condemned | - | 1 | 2 | 6 | - |
| Carcases of which some part or organ was condemned | 3 | 5 | 12 | 230 | - |
| Percentage of the number inspected affected with tuberculosis | 60.00 | 8.22 | 1.00 | 3.85 | - |
Other food condemned.
275 soup powders.
3 stones of herrings.
8 tins.of pineapple.
1 cooked gammon.
4 stones beef.
Proceedings were instituted by the Corporation against a local firm in
respect of the soup powders referred to above. The case was heard at the
Brentford Police Court, and although no conviction was recorded, costs
amounting to £20 were awarded against the firm.
There are 90 butchers' shops on our records. These arc kept under
supervision by the Sanitary Inspectors, who paid 559 visits during the year.
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