London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Chingford 1961
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chingford]
This page requires JavaScript
37
Samples submitted for Analysis
104. samples of a wide variety of food and drugs were taken
during 1961 and submitted to the Public Analyst for examination. All
but the following two were genuine.
(a) Acetic acid
This solution was stated to have a strength of 20% w/v and
was found to be 2307 w/v. The manufacturers were informed.
(b) Sliced bread
Three slices of white bread were examined following a complaint
that the bread contained foreign matter. The foreign matter was
found to consist of discoloured oily dough and to be harmless. No
further action was taken.
Legal Proceedings
Six cases were taken before the Magistrates under the Pood and Drugs Act, 1955 for the sale of food which was not of the nature, quality or substance demanded. Each case originated in a complaint from the public. Brief details are as follows
| Offence | Section | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Ply in white sliced loaf | 2 | Guilty |
| Earwig in loaf of bread | 2 | Dismissed |
| Piece of wire in boiled pear drop | 2 | Dismissed |
| Piece of string in loaf of bread | 2 | Conditional discharge |
| Mouldy loaf | 2 | Pine £5 plus 2 gns costs |
| Metal in loaf | 2 | Pine £10 plus £4.3.0d. costs |