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The method of taking samples of milk for the purpose of bacteriological
examination should be—at the time of purchase—to receive the samples intended
for examination in sterile vessels, and either to pack them in ice, or to convey them
as soon as possible to the laboratory. There is no reason why the samples to be
tested bacteriologically for organisms, should not be the same samples as these
purchased to be tested chemically for adulteration. Last year, of a total of 234
samples taken, 112 were samples of milk, and of these 29 were taken at railway
stations in transit, leaving 83 or about 35 per cent. purchased by the Autherity.
A bacteriological examination may include:—
1.—A quantitive examination of the number of organisms of various kinds
present, this possibly giving a measure of the care with which the milk has been
handled.
2.—A search for tubercle bacilli.
3.—A search for diphtheria streptococci.
4.—A search for pus organisms (staphylococci pyogenes aureus).
A search for typhoid organisms would almost surely be negative, as these
organisms have not yet been isolated from milks except in artificial experiments.
A search for colon bacilli would always result in finding them, as these bacilli are
common in the intestine of the cow as well as of man, altheugh an enumeration of
these particular bacilli might be some measure of the degree of cleanliness in
which the cows were maintained.
If, in addition to the presence, enumerations of the several organisms
mentioned, were required separate, more extended bacteriological examinations
would have to be made for each organism. In the case of tubercle bacilli this
might be desirable.
There is another point to which the attention of your Committee may be
directed. A previous report from me dated 31st May, 1897, considered by
your Committee on the 16th June, 1897, and approved by the Vestry on the 23rd
June, 1897, recommended that a communication be addressed to the Local*
Government Board to further such legislation as may be necessary to enable
Sanitary Autherities to prohibit and prevent the preparation, storage, and sale
of food in places which they may consider unfit for the purpose. A bacteriological
examination may form some guide as to this question in reference to milk, and,
as experience dictates, possibly to other forms of food later on.
In the meanwhile, I beg to recommend that samples of milk purchased for
chemical analysis be taken with due precaution, and be submitted to bacteriological
analysis for tubercle bacillus.
I have, &c.,
John F. J. Sykes.
On the 18th of January of the present year your Vestry approved of the
purchase of samples of milk for bacteriological examination for the purpose of
ascertaining the presence of tubercle bacilli, provided "that the number of