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45
SOURCE OF ILLNESS.— It should be noted that the fish was eaten at mid-day,
and that in an hour or so the persons partaking of it were ill. Such as were treated
recovered sufficiently to go home by five o'clock. The circumstances pointed not to
bacterial infection but to acute gastric irritation. This may have been due to some
inherent quality of the fish or to something contained in the materials used. The
flour was the same as used the previous day, as also was the oil. It will be noticed
that all ate skate, which may sometimes cause extreme irritation.
I am inclined to the opinion that the skate, without contamination, was the cause
of illness.
ACTION TAKEN.—Several matters required attention without delay. The
proprietor has been notified of these, and they are enumerated as follows:—
1. In the shop all shelves and floors must be periodically scraped and thoroughly
cleansed with hot water and soap.
2. The water supply cisterns in both yard and basement require to be cleansed.
3. A separate supply of water should be arranged for from the rising mains in both
cellar and basement.
4. The walls and ceilings of the basement and approaches thereto require to be
limewashed and the floors scraped and cleansed.
5. Suitable covered metal vessels should be provided in which to store washed and
cut fish.
6. Receptacles to receive refuse and waste should be of metal and covered.
7. Empty fish boxes should not be stored in the cellar.
8. All appliances, tables and washing vats should be kept clean.
These matters all received immediate attention.
The circumstances were reported to the Ministry of Health.