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 1970

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hillingdon]

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Table: Samples Examined in the Departmental Laboratory

Samples Examined in the Departmental Laboratory

FoodDepartmental (Chemical)Total
SatisfactoryUnsatisfactory
Cream1111
Canned Fruit22
Ice Cream44
Milk5252
Preservatives:
Mincemeat and Sausages37239
Spirits3232
Sausage Rolls, Pies, Pasties1818
Buttered Rolls15217
Cooking Oil19524
1909199

Table: 76 samples of milk were examined by the Public Health Laboratory for the presence of antibiotics and all were found to be satisfactory. A total of 508 food and drug samples were examined, 25 or 4.8% were classed as unsatisfactory. Details of the action taken regarding these samples are set out in the following table.

76 samples of milk were examined by the Public Health Laboratory for the presence of antibiotics and all were found to be satisfactory. A total of 508 food and drug samples were examined, 25 or 4.8% were classed as unsatisfactory. Details of the action taken regarding these samples are set out in the following table.

ProductNo.ContraventionAction
Cheese5Non-compliance with Cheese Regulations, 1970All foreign produce. Matter taken up with the importers. Two labels changed. Advice on action taken by remaining producers awaited.
Potato mixes3Incorrectly describedObservations of producers awaited.
Milk powder2Incorrectly describedBoth products sold under retailer's label. One line discontinued. Observations of producers of the second product awaited.
Cooking oil1Incorrectly describedManufacturer not in agreement with Analyst's findings. Further observations awaited.
Food colour1Incorrectly describedManufacturer not in agreement with Analyst's findings. Further observations awaited.
Sausages4Non-compliance with Sausage and Other Meat Product Regulations, 1967Unsatisfactory or informal sample repeat samples taken formally found to be satisfactory.
Buttered Rolls2Contained margarineRepeat samples found to be satisfactory.
Cooking Oils5Rancid to varying degrees.Advice given regarding correct use of oils—storage, changing frequencies, etc.
Minced Meat2Presence of Preservatives(1) Referred to Local Authority where mince produced.
(2) Repeat samples found to be satisfactory.