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
Sutton and Cheam 1962
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton and Cheam]
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The following details classify the type of irregularity or infringement and the action taken in conjunction with the three unsatisfactory samples;-
| Sample No. | Article Sampled | Type of Infringement | Action taken and Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3231 (Informal) | Mixed Dried Fruit | Labelling Infringement The individual ingredients were not specified on the label contrary to the Labelling of Food Order, 1953. | Cautioned The suppliers withdrew the article from sale, and informed the packers in South Africa. |
| 3155 (Informal) | Pork Sausage Roll | Labelling Infringement This article contained more than two ingredients which were not specified on the label contrary to the Labelling of Food Order, 1953. | Cautioned The Manufacturers were informed, but as there appeared to be some doubt regarding the infringement, it was decided not to pursue the matter further at present. |
| 3227 (Informal) | Whole Orange Drink | Labelling Infringement On analysis this article was found to contain only 3% of potable orange fruit, although the label described it as "Whole Orange Drink" | Cautioned The suppliers withdrew the article from sale, and the manufacturers were requested to amend the misleading label. |
Sampling Observations
It will be seen from the detailed classification that the two hundred
and nineteen samples taken during the year were found to be genuine, and
only 1.37% infringed the Labelling of Food Order, 1953.
For comparative purposes the figures for 1961 were 1.4% not genuine
and labelling infringements accounted for a further 2.77% making a total
of 4.17%.
The pattern of sampling has followed that of previous years in that a
wide range of commodities have been covered. The results were most
satisfactory especially as the three infringements found were of a minor
character.
Public Analyst's Comments, 1962
These comments are being written at a time when Consumer
Protection is very much in the news and when the new Consumer Council,
recommended by the Molony Report in 1962, is about to be formed. The
Report makes very interesting reading and no doubt pinpoints many spheres
where some protection would be necessary. It is instructive to note, however,
that as far as food is concerned the public have received such protection
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