London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Bethnal Green 1888

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bethnal Green]

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36
Analytical Laboratory
Vestry Hall, Harrow Road, W.,
November 9th, 1888.
To the Vestry of tie Parish of St. Matthew, Bethnal Green.
Chairman and Gentlemen,
Now that all the prosecutions for adulteration are
concluded, I am able to forward you my Report for the Quarter ending
September 29th, 1888. During that period 50 samples of food were
submitted to mo by your Inspectors for Analysis. These were—Milk 35,
Ices 7, Mustard 4, and Popper 4 samples. Of those, 5 samples of Milk
and 2 of Pepper wore adulterated.
Of the adulterated Milks, one sample had been partly skimmed, and
another diluted with only 5 per cent. of water; the vendors of those
samples were cautioned not to repeat the offence. In another case,
where 20 per cent. of water had been added, the vendor escaped
prosecution by leaving the Parish. In two other cases, where 13 and
15 per cent. of water respectively had been added, the vendors were
prosecuted, and trifling fines of 10s. each were imposed. It is, however,
very satisfactory to find that Milk this quarter is far more free from
adulteration than it has boon in the past, and that the adulteration is
not now of so severe a character. At one time it was common to meet
with samples of Milk containing from 20 to 40 per cent. of added
water. Doubtless this decrease of Milk adulteration is partly due to
the plentifulness and cheapness of Milk this season. It is, however,
I think, mere largely due to the persistent action of the Sanitary
Committee in keeping a constant watch on the Milk supply.