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49
Food Poisoning.
During the year 8 outbreaks of food poisoning occurred in the City.
In 5 of the cases, only one or two people were affected but nevertheless
thorough investigations as to the cause were made in each case.
The other 3 cases affected larger numbers of people and are reported
here in some detail.
In one of the three cases 15 people were affected after consuming
lunch at a staff canteen in the City. It was estimated that 236 people
were users of this canteen and were exposed to the risk of food poisoning.
Samples of the suspected food were taken for bacteriological examination
but no causal agent was identified. The degree of the illness was generally
not severe.
The second case involved some 35 persons who were participating in a
staff outing from a firm in the City to Clacton. Ham sandwiches were
eaten en route and were suspected of causing the outbreak but no causal
agent was identified after samples had been bacteriologically examined.
Laboratory investigation of serum and faeces from sufferers and swabs
of food handlers proved negative. As in the previous case, the course of
the illness was not severe.
The third and largest case involved some 45 people who had consumed
food in a staff canteen in the City. Samples of ham and rice, the
suspected foods, were submitted for bacteriological examination the
results of which were negative. Specimens of urine and faeces of the
sufferers and food handlers were also examined but no pathogens were
isolated. As in the other cases the food causing the outbreak and the
causal agent are unknown. The estimated number of consumers risking
infection in this canteen was 235. Particular attention was given to the
hygienic condition of the canteen and this was reported as satisfactory.
Again, the course of the illness was not severe and the duration of the
symptoms lasted for 2-3 days.
Persons Rendered Homeless by Flooding.
It is the duty of the London County Council, under the provisions of
the National Assistance Act, 1948, and Ministry of Health Circular 87/48,
to provide temporary accommodation for persons rendered temporarily
homeless through flooding.
In certain metropolitan boroughs, including the City of Westminster,
there is a recurrent danger from flooding from the River Thames, and,
at the invitation of the County Council, the City Council has approved a
joint scheme with the County Council to provide (a) temporary rest
centres for persons who may be rendered homeless by flooding, (6) staff
for opening and taking charge of these rest centres, (c) the transportation
of food and equipment (provided by the County Council) and (d) the
responsibility for general clearing and salvage in the flooded area.