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77
PICKED SHRIMPS.
Samples of picked shrimps were obtained during the year, with the object of
ascertaining to what extent Boric Acid was used as a preservative. In all cases it was
present, the lowest percentage being 0.12 and the highest 1.14.
Action has been taken which will, I hope, result in a diminished amount of Boric
Acid being used in picked shrimps. These shrimps are mainly exported from Holland,
and the preservative is obviously used to retard decomposition changes. (See Monthly
Report of the Medical Officer of Health, No. 191.)
PUBLIC HEALTH (SHELLFISH) REGULATIONS, 1915.
The above Regulations, which have as their object the prohibition of the sale of
shell-fish likely to cause danger to the public health, empower the Corporation of
London in the event of any case of infectious disease attributable to the consumption of
shell-fish occurring within the City, to take the necessary steps to ascertain the layings
from which the suspected shell-fish were obtained, and to require any fishmonger
supplying shell-fish within the City to furnish a list of the names of persons from
whom he has obtained his supplies during the last six weeks preceding the date of the
requirement. (Further details are given in the printed Monthly Report of the Medical
Officer of Health, No. 187.)
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.
In accordance with the Standing Order of the Court that no person shall enter
the employ of the Corporation or any of its Committees without previously passing a
medical examination to the satisfaction of the Committee having cognizance of the
appointment, 26 persons were examined by the Medical Officer of Health during
1915, and all were reported as physically fit for office. Eight officers were also
medically examined with a view to their retirement, and of these 7, or 88 percent., were
reported to be unfit for duty.
In addition to the foregoing, medical examinations were made of persons accepted
by the Central (Unemployed) Body, on the recommendation of the City of London
Distress Committee, for employment on the Labour Colony at Hollesley Bay, established
by the Central Body under the Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health for the City of London.
Public Health Department
Guildhall, E.C.