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Method of disposal of condemned food
Food condemned or voluntarily surrendered to the Public Health
Inspectors is disposed of by depositing in the Council's refuse barges at
the Central Depot at Gatliff Road, S.W.1.
Foodstuffs disposed of at this depot are removed by barge for land
reclamation by controlled tipping at Pitsea. No recovery or diversion
of any goods whatsoever takes place at the central tipping site.
Food and Drugs Act, 1955—Section 26
During the year, sixteen persons were notified to be suffering from
food poisoning. Of this number, two were members of the same family,
and the remainder were single notifications, though one was concerned
in a larger outbreak affecting children and staff at a school outside
Westminster.
Of those notified, the causative organism was indicated in six cases
at the time of notification.
Nine other outbreaks came to the notice of the Public Health Department
during the year. The minimum number involved was two persons
and the maximum 41. In two outbreaks it was possible to trace the
causative organism, and in one other the probable cause.
Bacteriological examination of faecal specimens or swabs taken from
those affected, from food handlers, or from articles of kitchen ware,
occasionally suggest a cause of infection, but great care is necessary in
the interpretation of results.