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As set out in the table above, there was only one outbreak of food poisoning of
any size in the Borough during the year, as compared with two listed for 1956, but
150 cases of food poisoning, as against 141 for the previous year.
A number of members of a concern in the Borough, totalling nine in all,
reported sick with symptoms of food poisoning. Enquiries were instituted as soon
as the information was received, and particular attention was given to a meal which
had included steak and kidney pie.
The steak and kidney were supplied on the day prior to cooking, and preparation
consisted of one-and-a-half hours boiling followed by two hours baking. A small
amount of the meat was not used in the pies but placed in a hot cupboard after the
preliminary boiling and left there until served with some portions at lunch time.
Pathological specimens from those affected were sent to the Laboratory and
Clostridium Welchii was found to be present; this organism is heat resistant to a
considerable degree, it may be present in cattle, so that the meat itself may be
infected, although the appearance and smell may be perfectly normal. If the
organisms were not killed during the first boiling, it is presumed that there was
sufficient time for the organisms to multiply to a degree which might cause food
poisoning in the surplus meat which was allowed to remain in the hot cupboard for
a matter of two hours or more.
Kitchen practice was found to be good, but the staff were advised to discontinue
allowing meat to remain in the hot cupboard after preparation, even for only a few
hours.
It was not possible to confirm the presence of the organism in the meat itself as
none remained after the meal. The total number of those who took the lunch was
estimated at 125, so that only a small proportion was affected. Some had severe
symptoms for a time, but recovery appeared to be complete in one to four days.
Typhoid Fever
Information was received that a person normally resident in St. Pancras had
been under observation in a private nursing home in this Borough, and was found
to be suffering from typhoid fever. It appeared that the typhoid fever was
probably contracted during the patient's holiday in Spain. It was therefore necessary
to regard the nursing home staff and some of the patients as typhoid fever contacts,
and medical practitioners in attendance on patients and staff were informed, as were
Medical Officers of Health in other boroughs in respect of some non-resident staff.
In collaboration with County Hall Laboratory, bacteriological investigations were
carried out over a period on all contacts who might be suspect. Fortunately, no
further cases occurred.