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Views had been expressed in cases similar to this that a local
Authority can proceed under either Section, but it is now settled law
that Section 9 is not applicable.
Under Section 3, the summons must state whether it is "the
Mature," "the substance" or "the quality" of the article which is
alleged to be to the prejudice of the purchaser. During the course
of the argument in this case, the Lord Chief Justice said that "substance"
appeared to him to be appropriate.
If the presence of extraneous matter affects the substance of the
art icle and turns it rotten or putrid, then Section 9 would be
appropriate. If, however, apart from the extraneous matter, neither
the substance, nor the nature or the quality of the article itself is
affected, then Section 3 is the appropriate Section.
A consignment of Chinese egg albumen, which is used in the
baking and confectionery trade for sponge mixtures and for glazing
buns, was found to contain the organism of Salmonella thompson.
The consignment was immediately surrendered, and samples were
ta Ken of all other firms in the Borough using egg albumen from the
same suppliers. Both these and second samples proved satisfactory.
Other than the case previously mentioned, there were seven cases
concerning the presence of foreign matter in food. In one case
proceedings were instituted, and a fine of £3 10s. 0d. was imposed
and £1 1s. 0d. costs were awarded to the Council. The other cases
were dealt with by cautionary letters.
FOOD POISONING.
Two cases of botulism, a rare but dangerous form of food poisoning,
were notified in July. The illness affected two adults, brother and
sister, who had partaken of fish pickled in Mauritius and brought to
this country by a friend of the family. Both patients suffered from
the charactersitic symptoms of botulism, for the nervous system was
predominantly attacked. Treatment was prompt and recovery complete.
Examination of the fish extract showed the presence of toxin
produced by Clostridium botulinum Type A. The species of fish
was identified as Lethrinus variegatus, and according to the Natural
History Department of the British Museum this species may contain
toxic substances.
On June 22nd, an outbreak of food poisoning occurred in a
canteen. The illness affected 7 of 60 persons, and the symptoms
lasted 24 hours. There were no fatalities. Examination of specimens
revealed the presence of heat resisting Clostridium welchii in two cases.
The or ganism was also recovered from the canteen cook, who was
consider d to be a carrier. Examination of specimens of food failed
to show the presence of the organism. Criticism was levelled, however,
at the mode of preparation of the meal of roast pork, for the meat
had been cooked the previous day, and served after re-heating. With
the ready Co_o pe ra ti on of the management, preventive measures were
instituted immediately. These measures provided for adequate facilities
for washing of hands.