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79 [1938
The third and fourth cases, females, 10 and 16 years, occurred in one family, and
the illness was alleged to have been caused by the consumption of bacon. Both
patients were admitted to St. Mary, Islington, Hospital, where an examination of
material resulted in the food poisoning bacillus enteritidis Gaertner being isolated.
The fifth case, a female, 35 years, was alleged to be due to fish poisoning. It was
stated that some haddock was purchased on Saturday, 27th August, part of which
was eaten about 7.30 p.m. The remainder was placed in the gas oven, cooked, and
eaten by the patient at 7 a.m. on Sunday. At 11 a.m. the patient was attacked with
abdominal pains and vomiting occurred at 3 a.m. on Monday. The patient had
recovered on visitation on Wednesday, 31st August, the date of the receipt of the
notification.
The sixth case, a male, aged 54 years, was one of considerable interest. The
patient purchased some fish and chip potatoes, which he consumed on Saturday
evening. On Sunday morning he awoke with diarrhoea and vomiting, got worse
towards the evening, and saw a doctor, who sent him to bed at once, stating he had
fish poisoning. His wife was similarly attacked, but recovered in the evening. The
patient was said to have been worse on Monday, but went to work, collapsed outside
his office, was taken to the Royal Free Hospital, received some treatment, and was
sent home. On Tuesday he went to the hospital and was transferred the same evening
to Park Hospital, gradually got worse, and died on the Wednesday morning
(16th September). The Medical Superintendent of Park Hospital, in reply to enquiries
by the Medical Officer of Health, stated that the post-mortem revealed a very acute
gastro-enteritis with toxic appearances in liver, spleen and kidneys. During life a
food-poisoning bacillus of the group aertrycke was isolated from the patient's blood.
Three other patients besides the first mentioned were reported to be suffering
from alleged food poisoning, but the diagnosis was not confirmed.
EXAMINATION OF FOOD AND DRUGS.
FOOD AND DRUGS (ADULTERATION) ACT, 1928.
During the year the number of Samples of Food and Drugs taken for analysis
was 1,235, including 585 informal samples. All the purchases were made by
Inspector Lewis or his agent and were submitted to the Islington Public Analyst,
Dr. Alan W. Stewart.
Of the total samples 1,222 were reported to be genuine and 13 adulterated, or
10 per cent.
This percentage is 0'7 below the previous year and 2 8 below the average rate
for the preceding 10 years.
Bacteriological Examination of Milk and Water.—Apart from the above
chemical analyses, certain foods, including water, were submitted for bacteriological
examination.
During the year 1938, 52 samples of milk taken in the Borough were tested
bacteriologically; 17 of these samples being "Pasteurised" milk in course of delivery
to schools, and 11 in course of delivery to various institutions. The samples taken at
schools, and a proportion of the institutions, were in accordance with a system of
co-operation which has been continued as in the past with the London County
Council.