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
Malden and Coombe 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Malden & Coombe]
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It has not been necessary to take formal action under the Food
Hygiene Regulations, 1955.
The following unfit foodstuffs were voluntarily surrendered and destroyed or salvaged:—
| Mutton | 4½ lbs. |
| Beef | 190 lbs. |
| Ox tongue | 6 lbs. |
| Corned beef | 34 lbs. |
| Luncheon meat | 35 lbs. |
| Jellied veal | 6 lbs. |
| Boneless Ham | 34 lbs. |
| Fish, wet | 742 lbs. |
| Vegetables | 4 tins |
| Fruit, tinned | 954 lbs. |
| Turkeys | 227 lbs. |
| Icing sugar | 1,956 tubes |
FOOD COMPLAINTS.
Certain of the food complaints received during the year are of interest:
(1) Dirty Milk Bottles. Complaints were received with regard to
foreign matter in milk bottles. Investigations showed that in no case was
the milk affected and the foreign material was in all instances firmly
adherent to the inside of the bottle. The materials were cement (2),
paint (1), and mould growth (1). In each case after careful consideration
the Council decided not to prosecute but a serious view would be taken of
a repetition.
A complaint regarding an insect in a bottle of milk was investigated.
The alleged insect was found to be a toy rubber spider. The complainant's
child admitted that he had inserted the toy spider as a practical joke. It is
to be hoped that the embarrassed parents dealt adequately with the child.
It would be of benefit to all concerned if the public would not misuse
milk bottles but rinse them out and return them promptly to the roundsman.
(2) Colour change in Chicory. Chicory was observed to assume a
brilliant green colour after cooking. The complaint was investigated at
the house and afterwards referred to the Public Analyst who conducted
experiments which proved the ability of chicory to change colour in given
circumstances. This condition is quite harmless.
(3) Icing Sugar. As the result of information received from a neighbouring
authority, 1,956 tubes of icing sugar which were rancid due to
prolonged storage, were surrendered by an agent in this district. Several
local authorities in the London area were advised that supplies had been
delivered in their districts and these were withdrawn from sale.
(4) Pineapple and apple pie containing piece of zinc. The complainant
ate this pie whilst working on a building site. There was no proof that
the metal had been cooked in the pie and the Council decided to take no
action.
(5) Mould growth in Steak and Kidney Pie. The Council decided to
institute proceedings in this case and the retailer was fined £5. 5s. Od. with
£3. 3s. Od. costs.