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

Greenwich 1948

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

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59
NOTIFICATION OF FOOD POISONING
Under the provisions of the London County Council (General
Powers) Act, 1932, now re-enacted in the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, every registered medical practitioner attending on any
person shall, if he suspects or becomes aware that any person is
suffering from food poisoning, forthwith notify such case to the
Medical Officer of Health.
Five cases were notified during the year, a similar number
being returned for 1947.
Each case was investigated thoroughly in order to ascertain
the source of infection. In one instance Bact. aertryke (S. typhimurium)
was considered the casual agent and in another a bacteria
of the Proteus type but in no case was direct connection with food
established.

Table: In all instances the infection was mild and recovery rapid and complete. Administrative Action Taken in Regard to Samples Reported to be NOT GENUINE.

In all instances the infection was mild and recovery rapid and complete. Administrative Action Taken in Regard to Samples Reported to be NOT GENUINE.

Sample No.ArticleNature of adulteration or irregularityAction taken
T. 2ChutneyContravened Public Health (Preservatives etc., in Food) Regulations in that Sulph. Dioxide was contained to the extent of 170 parts per million.Satisfactory explanation from Manufacturer.
T. 16Chop SauceContravened Public Health (Preservatives etc., in Food) Regulations in that Sulph. Dioxide was contained to the extent of 135 parts per millionSatisfactory explanation from Manufacturer.
T. 63Herring Tid BitsContained tin to the extent of 5.5 grains to the poundFurther sample taken. See T.85
T. 66Pork SausageWas deficient in meat to the extent of 8%.Formal sample proved genuine.
T. 85Herring Tid BitsContained tin to the extent of 4.4 grains per pound.Referred to the Ministry of Food. Stock withdrawn
T.147Spirit of Sal VolatileDeficient in ammonia to the extent of 91% and carbon dioxide 89% according to British Pharmacopoeia standards.Satisfactory explanation from Wholesaler
T.175Salad DressingD ficient in edible vegatable oils and without correct labelling.Satisfactory explanation from vendor.