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Bacteriological Examination of Food
The following samples were submitted for bacteriological examination. These
examinations were made by the Public Health Laboratory Service, and in some
instances by the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, Queens Square,
London:—
Ice-cream 62
Ice Lollies 3
Milk 99
Imitation Cream 8
Coconut Biscuits 1
Live Mussels 2
Canned Frozen Egg 6
Examinations of the samples of live mussels showed them to contain faecal
coli 6 per gram of body tissue and 10 per gram of body tissue respectively.
Ice-Cream
Ice-cream is manufactured at three premises in the Borough, two of which
are wholesale. Most of the ice-cream sold in the Borough is pre-packed.
A systematic inspection of premises used for the sale, storage and manufacture
of ice-cream has been made, particular attention being given by the Food and
Drugs Inspector where manufacture takes place.
During the year 62 samples of ice-cream were taken and submitted to the
Public Health Laboratory Service for bacteriological examination and the methylene
blue test. This test is recommended by the Ministry of Health as a guide for
ascertaining the bacteriological cleanliness of ice-cream, the time taken to
decolourise methylene blue being recorded, and the samples graded as follows:—
Provisional Grade
Time taken to decolourise
Methylene Blue
1 4½ hours or more
2 2½hours to 4 hours
3 ½ to 2 hours
4 Less than ½ hour