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53
are exposed by eating Ice Cream, and taking iced drinks during the
hot weather.
Serious epidemics of typhoid fever have been traced to this
source.
It has been reported to the Public Health Committee that Ice
Cream is often manufactured in places, the surroundings of which
are most insanitary, and it has also been reported that in many
instances Ice Cream has been found to contain disease germs, the
presence of which, is doubtless due to the uncleanly surroundings
and habits of the individuals manufacturing same.
My Committee feel it to be of the utmost importance to ask the
teachers to be good enough to warn children against the dangers of
eating Ice Cream, the origin of which is unknown. More especially
it is important that children should be warned against eating ice cream
purchased from itinerant vendors in the streets.
Apart from the fact that ice cream may contain disease germs, it is
important to remember that it is dangerous to eat such substances
when children are overheated or fatigued.
I am, Dear Sir, or Madam,
Yours faithfully,
FREDK. WM. ALEXANDER.
Medical Officer of Health.
A letter was received from the London County Council, dated 17th
July, enclosing a report of the Public Health Committee on the
subject of proposed legislation with regard to the sale of ice creams.
The Council hoped that the Metropolitan Borough Councils would
support the proposals contained in the report, and any suggestions of
the Borough Councils would receive careful consideration. Dr.
Hamer, Assistant Medical Officer to the London County Council,
who was instructed to enquire as to the conditions existing in London,
showed: