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1ll
When B. Coli is present in 1/100 m.l., or less, some contamination
from dirty utensils, receptacles or hands has almost certainly taken
place. This organism should be absent altogether, but if not present
in less than 1/100 m.l. it is probable that gross contamination has
not occurred. It was noted that in eight specimens taken it was
altogether absent. The total bacterial count is probably largely
dependent on the care with which the material is kept as regards
exposure to air and dust. No count over 750,000 can be regarded
as at all satisfactory. There are no official standards for the cleanliness
of ice-cream, and the classification given can only be used as a
general guide. It is seen, however, that the bacterial purity of some
of the samples taken is not satisfactory ; thus groups (a) to (e),
22 in all, may be regarded as generally good ; those under (/) must be
regarded as definitely bad.
A warning was sent to those dealers whose samples proved
unsatisfactory, and special visits were paid to the premises of those
concerned. A special leaflet giving advice as to cleanliness, etc.,
has been prepared for distribution to all those dealing in this
commodity.
Provision of Milk for School Children.
As a result of the Scheme by the Milk Marketing Board made
under Section II (i) of the Milk Act, 1934, milk was made available
to the school children in the Borough (as from 1st October, 1934)
at id. per one-third of a pint instead of a id. as hitherto.
No milk is accepted for rebate unless the source and quality
of the supply has been approved by the County Medical Officer
after consultation with the Medical Officer of Health of the local
sanitary district.
It has been generally agreed in London that the only milk to
be approved by the Metropolitan Medical Officers of Health should
be pasteurised milk sold and labelled as such.
Samples of the milk delivered to the schools is taken regularly
and sent for analysis to the public analyst (under the Food and
Drugs (Adulteration) Act) and the results are shown below,