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
Richmond upon Thames 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]
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The following table shows the various types of samples analysed and the results obtained:
| Articles. | Number Analysed | Number Irregular |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuits | 1 | — |
| Cereals | 2 | — |
| Cheeses | 3 | — |
| Coconut | 2 | — |
| Coffee | 1 | — |
| Cream and Cream Products | 3 | — |
| Crystallised Fruits | 5 | — |
| Drinks and Beverages | 4 | — |
| Fish and Fish Products | 4 | — |
| Flavourings and Essences | 9 | — |
| Flour Confectionery | 2 | — |
| Fruit and Vegetables | 12 | — |
| Gravy Tablets | 1 | — |
| Jellies | 5 | — |
| Jams and Preserves | 7 | — |
| Herbs and Spices | 8 | — |
| Herb Tea | 1 | — |
| Margarine | 1 | — |
| Marzipan | 2 | 1 |
| Meat and Meat Products | 4 | — |
| Medicinal Preparations | 3 | — |
| Milk and Milk Products | 3 | 1 |
| Pickles and Sauces | 15 | — |
| Saccarine Tablets | 1 | — |
| Soups | 2 | — |
| Starch Foods | 5 | — |
| Sugar Confectionery | 12 | 2 |
| Toothpaste | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 119 | 5 |
The irregular samples comprised:—
(a) Toothpaste.
The Analyst reported that this was a sample of unusual composition and physical
nature, and of an acid reaction. The paste was not homogeneous and this condition
was due to the separation of the paste into an oily layer near the nozzle of the tube
although the bulk of the paste lower down was normal. The basis of the paste consisted
of calcium phosphate and it was possible that a little acidic phosphate had been included
perhaps as an impurity or that another ingredient was responsible. The matter was
taken up with the manufacturers who were concerned to learn that this type of particular
toothpaste, which they had ceased to produce in 1963, was still being retailed,
and immediate action was taken to withdraw stocks from sale.
(b) Almond Marzipan.
This sample contained sorbic acid which is a permitted preservative but it was not
declared in the list of ingredients on the label. The manufacturer's attention was drawn
to this contravention and arrangements were made to have the labelling amended so as
to include "sorbic acid" in the list of ingredients.
(c) Togo.
This was a sample of "low fat" Yogo but the words "low fat" did not appear on
the label adjacent to the description of the product; in addition the words "Milk
Solids" in the list of ingredients was considered to be an incorrect designation for
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