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
Islington 1960
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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25
Food Poisoning
Number of notifications received
1947 7
1948 10
1949 55
1950 104
1951 148
1952 58
1953 243
1954 104
1955 294
1956 141
1957 150
1958 183
1959 164
1960 131
In accordance with Circular 2/50 of the Ministry of Health, the following table summarises the outbreaks of food poisoning and the character of each outbreak
| Date | No. of Notifications | No. of persons served | No. of cases reported | No. of deaths | Foods involved and Organisms responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 10. 3. 60 | – | 35 | 22 | – | Meat Pie:– Clostridium Welchii |
| 2. 6. 7. 60 | – | 565 | 13 | – | Ham:– Staphylococcus phage type 42E. |
1. Occurrence 10.3.60 - This outbreak occurred among the staff of a warehouse who had taken
a meal at the staff canteen. Of the 22 persons affected the great majority commenced symptoms
of food poisoning, with diarrhoea and stomach pains, within a period of approximately 12 hours
after the suspected mid-day meal. Most had recovered within about 24 hours, although some were
severely ill during this time. Stool specimens from 9 of those affected gave growths of
Clostridium welchii, and the same germ was also isolated from the remains of the meat pie which
was consumed. The meat was stewed on the same afternoon following morning delivery, was then
cooled in the pantry where it remained all night, the prepared meat was then added to the pie
on the following day for final preparation.