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In connection with the sample containing B. Fiecalis Alkaligenes,* a
communication was sent to tlie Medical Officer of Health of the district in which
the farm is situated. As a result of his inspection it was found that the milkers
had an exceptionally clean bill of health and the dairy was undoubtedly above
the average. The cows were examined periodically by a veterinary surgeon and
any in a doubtful state of health promptly withdrawn from the milking herd. The
water used was obtained from a spring which does not appear liable to
contamination The milkers were said to wash their hands before milking and they
wear overalls. Their milking caps, however, were, as is often the case, found
filthy. Tlie farmer undertook to obtain washable caps and to take certain additional
precautions.
The number of milks, in the few samples submitted, found to contain
dangerous organisms demonstrates the extreme necessity of constant supervision
of the milk supply in London. The difficulty which arises owing to the mixing
of milk from very large numbers of farms, by the great wholesale companies
is of serious importance as the tracing of infected milk becomes almost impossible.
Moreover, it is occasionally found that in some cases wholesalers who deal with
mixed milks are reluctant to supply information as to the farms from which the
milks come. It would seem desirable that wholesale milk dealers should be
required to disclose to local authorities the exact source of supply in all such cases.
Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations, 1912 and 1917.
The Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations, 1912 and 1917, were
enforced in the Borough during the year. Two hundred and thirty-one samples
of milk and eight samples of cream were examined; no sample was found to
contain preservative. Eleven samples of preserved cream were examined and
found to be in accordance with the Regulations, the statement on the label as
to the amount of preservative being in each case correct.
No contravention of the Regulations was discovered during the year.
Bakehouses.
At the end of the year, 1922, there were 29 bakehouses in the Borough of
which 18 were factory bakehouses. Although these are described as "factories"
they are not large and only supply local needs; a number were formerly workshops
and are now classified as " factories " owing to the installation of machinery.
Two new bakehouses were opened, viz., 16, Store Street and 21, Hand Court,
both are " factory " bakehouses.
During the year, in addition to my inspections, there were 128 inspections of
bakehouses. Seven notices were served for sanitary defects.
*The pathogenity of this organism, although well established, has perhaps not received
due recognition. At the end of a convincing article written by Drs. A. Rochaix and
H. Blanchard in the " Annales de Medecine," Sept., 1920, p. 173, they state " it has been
demontrated that this bacillus has been the cause of general infections which resemble
typhoid fever, benign and without complications. A case of pyelo-nephritis has occurred in
a pregnant woman due to this organism which also seems to play a certain part in intestinal
infections."