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 Chingford]
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CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
OF FOOD
The Counties Public Health Laboratories, 66 Victoria St., London,
S.W.l, undertake bacteriological examinations for the Council.
During the year 41 samples were forwarded to the Laboratories
for bacteriological examination, 25 being samples of ice-cream, 10
of other foods and 6 samples of water from the Swimming Pool.
Owing to the greater importance which was given to ice-cream,
a much larger number of samples was taken than in previous years.
In two instances the Bacteriologist reported that the samples were
unsatisfactory in that they contained excessive numbers of bacteria
which included organisms of excremental origin. In one instance
a letter of warning was sent to the Manufacturer and an ice-cream
of improved quality was produced. In the other case the Local
Authority decided to institute proceedings under the Food and
Drugs Act, 1938, and, whilst the decision of the magistrates was
against the Local Authority, it was felt that the publicity which was
given to the case was helpful in bringing to the notice of dealers
and manufacturers of ice-cream in the district the importance of
the utmost cleanliness in the handling of this product.
Dr. Bernard Dyer & Partners, Ltd., Peek House, 20 Eastcheap,
E.C.3, are the Public Analysts for the district.
The following articles were submitted for chemical examination during the year in supplementation of the Essex County Council's Food and Drugs service:—
No. | Sample. | Result. |
---|---|---|
280 | Cheese | Genuine cheese—nothing abnormal. |
281 | Saccharin Tablets | In substantial accord with minimum requirements of Sacc. (Co. M.P.) Order. |
282 | Sherbert Powder | Unsweetened effervescent powder of a normal character. |
283 | Bread | Slightly fermented, objectionable but not harmful. |
284 | Cut Celery | No harmful amounts of tin, lead, copper or zinc. |
28b | Beans in Tomato Sauce | Unsuitable for human consumption, 2.9 grains of tin per pound. |
286 | Tomatoes | Unsuitable for human consumption, 2.3 grains of tin per pound. |
287 | Mireen Green Pea Soup | No harmful amounts of tin, lead, copper or zinc. |
288 | Margarine | Presence of rancidity. Unfit for human consumption. |
279a | Fish Omelette | No harmful amounts of tin, lead, copper or zinc. |
280a | Breakfast Roll | |
281a | Vegetables in Gravy | |
282a | Fish Roll | |
283 a | Herrings in Tomato Sauce | |
289 | Beef Sausages | Free from preservatives. |
290 | Jam Tart | Jam tart unfit for human consumption. Foreign matter found to be finely shredded tobacco leaf. |
In connection with Sample No. 290, a letter of warning was sent to the firm. |