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Unsound Food.—Approximately 22\ tons of diseased or unsound food were surrendered for destruction, 9.1 tons
more than in 1948.
Three cases were reported to the Public Health Committee of food being offered or exposed for sale which was
unfit for human consumption. These consisted of :—
(a) a piece of chocolate in which a shilling was embedded.
(b) a scone containing a nail.
(c) a part of a loaf containing a nail.
In each case the observations of the firm or person responsible were requested, and after very careful consideration
the Committee decided not to institute legal proceedings, but to issue a severe warning that any further offence would
result in a summons being taken out immediately.
Food Poisoning.—24 cases of Food Poisoning or Suspected Food Poisoning were notified and investigated. One
instance occurred in which several persons attending a function afterwards complained of food poisoning symptoms.
A thorough investigation was made, without, however, revealing any tangible cause. In the majority of cases transient
symptoms have been reported to the Department several days after their occurrence. Investigation in such cases
is difficult and almost invariably fruitless.
Bacteriological Examination of Milk and Food.—
Milk.—53 samples of "Pasteurised" and 2 of " Sterilised " milk were submitted for bacteriological examination,
and, with two exceptions, complied with the tests prescribed in the Milk (Special Designations) Regulations.
The attention of the wholesaler was drawn to these two cases, and a satisfactory explanation was received.
Ice Cream.—24 samples were examined for bacterial content in the manner prescribed in the Ice Cream (Heat
Treatment) Regulations, with the following results :—
Grade 1 .. .. .. 1
Grade 2 .. .. 5
Grade 3 .. .. 4
Grade 4 .. .. 14
Meat and Other Foods.—3 samples of pork, 1 sample of luncheon meat, 1 of cooked pie, 1 of dutch brawn, and
1 of salad cream were examined, the reports upon which were as follows :—
Pork (all 3 samples) .. .. Many B. Coli and Enterococci grown. Diphtheroids
also present.
No definite pathogenic organisms found.
Luncheon Meat .. .. .. Heavy growth staphylococcus, enterococci and B. Coli.