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sample was submitted for bacteriological examination. This
examination showed that "the specimen contains at least
10,000 coliform organisms per cubic centimetre of the sample,
that the typical Bacillus Coli Communis is apparently only
present in very small numbers, and that the Bacillus
Sporogenes Enteritidis is probably entirely absent." The
examination of the ice-cream which caused the outbreak would,
of course, have given very different results.
The premises on which this ice-cream was sold were clean
and well kept, comparing very favourably with the conditions
which are usually found in such places. From my
investigations of this outbreak I have no doubt that one of the
receptacles used for storing the ice-cream was contaminated
by bacteria-containing dust from a dust-bin on premises in the
neighbourhood, that the ice-cream stored in this receptacle also
became contaminated, and that the consumption of this
ice-cream gave rise to the outbreak.
The outbreak well illustrates the dangers which may arise
from the contamination of milk foods, and it emphasises the
necessity for taking precautions against such contaminations.
It also throws light on the dangers of the present primitive
methods of dust collection in London. The practice of keeping
refuse in close proximity to human beings for a week in
crowded districts cannot be defended on sanitary grounds. In
hot weather such a practice is especially dangerous. A daily
collection of dust is much needed.
Sale of Food and Drugs Acts.
Early in the year the number of samples taken under
these Acts was raised from 500 to 700, and Inspector Chuter
was appointed to take the whole of the samples. It was
thought that the Acts could be administered more efficiently
if a special inspector were appointed for the work, and this
expectation has been, amply fulfilled. Inspector Chuter has
displayed exceptional ability in detecting and bringing to
justice the adultering traders in the district, and his operations