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

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Bethnal Green 1931

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

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98
Also Dried Figs, 1 ton.
Tinned fish, 95 tins.
Cakes, 106 lb.
Fish and Meat Paste, 180 tins.
FOOD POISONING.
During the year 11 cases of suspected food poisoning,
all children, were investigated. In one fatal case,
post.mortem examination disposed of the suggestion and
in another no definite evidence was obtained. The other
9 cases were associated with Olga Street School, one
proving fatal, and children from Poplar were also concerned.
In co.operation with the Medical Officer of
Health of that Borough, investigation was made into
the illness, which resembled food poisoning, and after
the elimination of other possible factors, contamination
of milk was considered, also sweets called " jelly beans."
Chemical and bacteriological examination of the milk
showed it to be of poor quality with a high bacterial
content. The " jeliy beans" gave no result. Upon
further inquiry, it was found that the milk dealer in
the adjoining borough responsible for the supply,
pasteurised his milk by the flash point method. I under—
stand from the Medical Officer of Health that this dairy—
man has now installed a more up.to.date pasteurising
plant.
SALE OF FOOD ORDER, 1921.
Part iii of this Order was continued in force during
the year under the Expiring Laws Continuance Act,
1929. Imported meat and eggs are required to be
labelled as such. Legal proceedings were taken for one
contravention of the Order during the year.
MILK, BUTTER AND MARGARINE.
With a view to ascertaining the consumption of
Margarine in a working.class district, I enquired of
about 270 shopkeepers (mostly milkshops, provision
dealers and general shops) in Bethnal Green as to their
sales of Margarine in 1931. Practically all replied.