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Enquiries went to show that ho frequented the same public
house nightly, anc. that he was not engaged in any trade or industry
likc-ly to cause lead poisoning. Samples were thereupon taken of
the cider in the public house concerned, and were found on analysis
to contain 1.5 parts of lead per million.
The inkers of the cider were informed of the result of
analysis and were requested to investigate thE matter end take
early retion to stop it. Further samples of the same brand of cider
taken from different sets of premises were also found to contain
lead.
The Ministry of Health were informed of the circumsti nces
ana of the results of the analysis. Inspections of premises
throughout the City were made and investigations mode of the method
of handling, storing and serving of cider therein. Numerous
samples of cider were taken and the results went to show that
samples from one particular manufacturer contained lead in varying
quantities. These results pointed to lead contamination taking
place at the source, which was outside Westminster. The Medical
Officer of Health for the district concerned was informed and the
Ministry of Health then took over the investigations in association
with this Department.
Whilst these investigations were in progress, a second case
came to the notice of the Medical Officer of Health in the person
of a charwoman at another hospital, also suffering from lead
poisoning, and who, on enquiry, turned out to be a regular
consumer of cider at the same premises as the first patient.
Investigations were further carried out at the original
premises in Westminster, and it was discovered that barrels of
cider were stored in the basement and supplies drawn through glass
tubes fitted with rubber connections by means of a stainless steel
beer engine fitted to the counter in the floor above. The stainless
steel tubes were inserted into the barrel through the 'spigot'
hole at the end of the barrels. As the end of the barrels had
been treated with lead paint, it was thought possible that some of
the cider had been splashed on to the paint and to have trickled
back into the barrel. On this hypothesis the producers tool;
proper steps to safeguard further supplies. Members of the Cider
Association WEre also informed of the results cf the investigations.
Results of further investigations made it evident that lead
could be absorbed into the cider from lead paint. The producers
at once withdrew from sale all the barrels in use with lead paint.
This, however, diD not eliminate the lead content, as samples still
showed .5 part of lead per million. The Ministry of Health were,
however, conducting investigations at the source, and it is
understood that it was established that if cider were put in
barrels which had been in contact with lead paint, the lead could
be absorbed into the wood of the interior of the barrel. When
fresh cider was placed in these old. barrels at a later date,
lead was found to be absorbed from the walls of the barrel, even
though there might not be any paint on the outside of the barrel
at the time. Subsequent samples taken in the City of Westminster
following these investigations, were -found to be free from lead.
CERTIFICATION OF FouD FOR EXPORT
Certificates issued in respect of the export of articles
of food.
To Switzerland 20
" Ztussia 6
" Canada 1