London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Finsbury 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Finsbury Borough.
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52
Bacteriological Examination of Food
The pathological laboratory in the Health Centre was used whenever
possible during the year for the routine examination of various types
of food and whenever suspicion of contamination or possible danger to
public health arose.
During the past year several types of foodstuffs have been submitted for bacteriological examination in addition to the usual routine examination of milk and ice cream, as indicated in the following list:-
| Canned Hams | 5 |
| Canned Stewed Steak | 5 |
| Canned Luncheon Meat | 2 |
| Canned Anchovies | 6 |
| Canned Garden Peas | 2 |
| Custard | 2 |
| Gravy | 2 |
| Roast Lamb | 1 |
| Steak & Kidney Pie | 1 |
| Stewed Steak | 1 |
| Pilchard Sandwiches | 1 |
| Wines & Spirits | 16 |
| 44 |
Canned Hams
Inspection and examination of this type of canned food has continued
and although the position has improved it has been considered necessary
to submit samples for bacteriological examination. In some of the
samples submitted Cl.Welchii was isolated and it was generally found
that the types of organisms isolated suggested careless handling and
insufficient sterilization at the time of manufacture, or storage under
unsuitable conditions.
Canned Anchovies in Salt
Several samples of this class of canned food (unprocessed) were
submitted for bacteriological examination. In some of the samples C1.
Welchii were isolated. Satisfactory arrangements were made for the
disposal of these foodstuffs.
Wines and Spirits
A consignment of wines and spirits was received in the Borough
which had been stored in a cellar which had been flooded with crude
sewage. As a result of exhaustive examinations it was decided that no