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As a result, the co-producers have agreed to use only pasteurised egg, but the main
producer has decided not to accept goods from the former in future. Samples of subsequent
consignments of egg pasta have proved negative, but supervision and sampling is still being
maintained, and arrivals of egg pasta by other manufacturers are being similarly treated.
Excessive "blowing" of tins of Czechoslovakian pasteurised hams lying at a wharf led to
bacteriological examination of samples. Counts as high as 50 million colonies per gram were
found, with the presence of some coliform bacilli and faecal streptococci. Similar excessive
"blowing" was discovered in a consignment of pasteurised Czechoslovakian canned pork
shoulders. These consignments had lain at the wharf for periods of 12 and 6 months respectively,
but were not kept; under refrigeration. For technical reasons, canned hams are heated
to pasteurisation temperature, not, as with other canned products, to sterilisation temperature,
and they must therefore be stored under refrigeration. Both consignments were destroyed.
Samples of Belgian meat pates taken from a wharf and submitted for bacteriological
examination were found to have high plate counts, in two of the samples exceeding one million
organisms per gram. However, no Salmonellae were isolated, although staphylococcus aureus of
phage type 2, not normally associated with food poisoning organisms, was present in one
sample. The affected stocks were surrendered for destruction, and the manufacturers and
importer were warned that future consignments would be refused entry if the standards were
not improved.
Samples of imported dried egg, desiccated coconut and frozen prawns and shrimps, periodically
submitted for bacteriological examination during the year, were all found to be
satisfactory.
215 detention notices and 213 release notices were served under the Public Health
(Imported Food) Regulations 1937-48. These notices affected a variety of foodstuffs,
including: advocaat, animal casings, dried apricots, butter, chillies, chilli powder, cocoa,
coffee, dried egg, egg noodles, fish, gooseberries, grapefruit, groundnuts, gum tragacanth,
ham, liquorice root, liver paste, meat pate, nuts, oyster flavour sauce, pistachio kernels,
prawns, sugar, shellfish, sultanas, tapioca, tea, tomato puree and walnut kernels.
Liquid Egg Pasteurisation
There are two plants in the borough where liquid egg is pasteurised. Hygiene at the
larger establishment was maintained at a high level during the year, and many representatives
of foreign governments and trade organisations continue to visit these premises. The smaller
of the plants is due for demolition in the near future,which prohibits the undertaking of any
major improvements.
14 samples taken proved satisfactory when submitted to the alpha-amylase test.
Milk Supply - Samples
Milk samples submitted for chemical analysis numbered 29 including 12 taken at hospitals.
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