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

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Finsbury 1962

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Finsbury Borough]

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During the latter part of the year an unusually high incidence of
infection with Salmonella Bredeney became apparent in the London Area.
After investigation, the common source of infection was traced to a
heavily contaminated ham cooking establishment situated in the Borough.
Upon this being discovered, the firm were ordered to discontinue
processing. After a thorough cleansing, and using a revised method of
handling the raw and cooked meat products, the firm were permitted to
re-open under close supervision by the department.
It was not possible to trace precisely how the premises became
contaminated, owing to the many sources of supply of raw material.
During the investigation 191 swabs were examined by the Public Health
Laboratory at County Hall.
A further stage in the campaign to obtain a higher degree of
cleanliness has been the periodic sampling and swabbing of various types
of food premises. When results are known the occupants of the premises
are notified and if the reports have been satisfactory they are
encouraged to continue their efforts. In the event of the results
being unsatisfactory they are informed of the result, and are advised
how best to improve the position. Generally the advice given has been
followed with beneficial results.
Quality of food and its description:
This important work in connection with foodstuffs was carried out
during the year by routine informal sampling of a great variety of
foodstuffs.

A few adverse reports were received, both regarding quality and description. During the year 624 samples were submitted to the Public Analyst as under:-

FoodsNo of samples submitted
Milk50
Cream & Condensed milk16
Butter, margarine & fats24
Cheese10
Sausages22
Meat & Fish products178
Soups3
Sauces, vinegar etc.22
Condiments, spices & flavouring31
Jams & preserves21
Jellies & Gelatine8
Dried fruit30
Cake & pudding mixtures19
Fresh fruit & vegetables2
Cereals8
Coffee, Cocoa, tea & extracts32