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
Hillingdon 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hillingdon]
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Environmental Health
A sample of gin alleged to be watered was found to contain 22.7 % proof gin instead of 70 % proof.
The sample was brought to the office in a mineral water bottle and the evidence, therefore, did not
justify a prosecution. Action was confined to warning the Company concerned. Further samples from
the premises were found to be satisfactory.
Imported Food Samples
contaminated with insect debris, all samples were found to be satisfactory. Vegetables and fruits were found to be free from residual pesticides.
| Type of Food | Number of Samples |
|---|---|
| Cheese | 2 |
| Cooked Meats | 2 |
| Dried Snails | 1 |
| Fish and Fish Products | 1 |
| Flour Confectionery | 2 |
| Fresh Fruit | 12 |
| Fruit Juice | 1 |
| Mayonnaise | 3 |
| Meat Paste | 2 |
| Milk | 2 |
| Salad | 1 |
| Sausages | 29 |
| Vegetables | 28 |
| 86 |
Departmental Samples
| Article | Satisfactory | Unsatisfactory |
|---|---|---|
| Cream | 8 | — |
| Milk | 1 | — |
| Minced Meat | 2 | 1 |
| Sausage Rolls | — | 1 |
| Spirits | 41 | 1 |
| Vinegar | 4 | ~ |
A repeat sample of the minced meat was found to be satisfactory.
A sample of vodka was found to be adulterated and this was borne out by examination of a
formal sample. A warning letter was sent.
Food Complaints
The number of complaints received from members of the public showed an increase over the previous
year. Investigation of these complaints is time-consuming, involving as it does a full assessment
of the incident and consideration of the comments of all concerned. In many cases, identification of the