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109
There was no possibility of ascertaining as to which portion the
affected men were served from, i.e., from the tin boiler, or iron pot.
The sanitary conditions and the cleanliness of the kitchen were
excellent, and the water supply above suspicion.
Bacteriological Report on samples of Ham, Carrots and Split
Peas forming part of dinner referred to in above report:—
Ham Cultures, McConkey, Agar A gram negative coliform bacillus.
and Broth A gram positive coccus and a
sarcinæ.
Anarobic. — Gram positive cocci
only.
Carrots, Cultures as above Very scanty growth of a gram.
Negative coliform type, and gram
positive cocci.
Anarobic.—No growth.
Split Peas, Cultures as above Gram negative coliform bacilli.
Gram positive cocci.
Anarobic. — Gram positive cocci
only.
Animal experiments were carried out in all samples. Rats were
fed daily for 3 days—alive and well after 5 days.
In all cases the cultures referred to above were made ærobically
and anærobically.
Commentary.—Cultures of ham, carrots and split peas show no
growth of organisms belonging to the food poisoning type.
In view of the result the Ministry of Health suggested the
desirability of taking blood tests from three or four of the men most
seriously ill.
Accordingly representations were made to the Works Medical
Officer and all facilities were placed at his disposal but it is regretted
that the offer of assistance was not accepted, the Works Management
being of opinion that no useful purpose would be served in prolonging
the enquiry.
Only three men were sufficiently indisposed to be away from
work for a week.