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

Merton and Morden 1952

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Merton & Morden]

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Table: The majority of the shops, works' canteens, etc., were in good condition with adequate food storage, sanitary and washing accommodation, but at 107 premises the following unsatisfactory points were noticed:—

The majority of the shops, works' canteens, etc., were in good condition with adequate food storage, sanitary and washing accommodation, but at 107 premises the following unsatisfactory points were noticed:—

Unclean and Defective Premises62
Unclean Utensils8
Accumulation of Refuse6
Defective or Insufficient Bins18
Unprotected Food16
Defective Sanitary Accommodation12
Washing Facilities:—
(a) No hot water38
(b) No soap11
(e) No towels11
(d) Non-display of notice re washing hands14

Table: Unsound Food.The undermentioned articles of food were found, upon inspection, to be unfit for human consumption; were surrendered and either destroyed or disposed of for animal feeding or salvage:—

Unsound Food.The undermentioned articles of food were found, upon inspection, to be unfit for human consumption; were surrendered and either destroyed or disposed of for animal feeding or salvage:—

Description.Amount.Came.
Beef431 lbs.Internal putrefaction, bone
taint and bruising.
Mutton52 lbs.Putrefaction and taint.
Lamb156 lbs.Putrefaction and taint.
Pork18 lbs.Putrefaction.
Veal15 lbs.Bruising and contamination.
Bacon3 lbs.Glass contamination.
Pigs tails405 lbs.Decomposition and mould.
Sheeps livers81bsCirrhosis.
Ox livers117 lbs.Decomposition.
Sausages20 lbs.Decomposition.
Fish80 stoneDecomposition.
Cereals55 pkts.Weevil infestation.
Chocolate Marshmallows56Damaged.
Mixed Peel7 lbs.Mould.
Milk Whipping Compound17 lbs.Stale.