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(including the dog). Notwithstanding these difficulties, however, the pie, in
view of the known circumstances in relation to food poisoning outbreaks, was
probably the source of infection.
BOTULISM.
It will probably be remembered that during the year an outbreak of botulism
received considerable publicity in the press and elsewhere, and that an anti-toxic
serum was produced for use in cases of the disease. The anti-toxin appears to have
been used with some success and the Ministry of Health made arrangements for
a supply to be available at several centres throughout the country for Medical
Officers and medical men in case of need.
In accordance with the suggestions of the Ministry of Health these facilities
were made known to the medical men practising in the City and each was furnished
with a leaflet issued by the Ministry containing instructions as to the use of the
Botulinus anti-toxic serum.
EXPORT OF FOOD PRODUCTS TO CANADA.
In consequence of the requirements of the food laws in operation in the Dominion
of Canada, a system of certification of certain food products prepared and packed
in England and Wales for export to Canada is now in operation.
Officials, designated "Certifying Officers" are now appointed in this country
by the Minister of Health and their duties are to keep themselves informed by personal
enquiry and in any other available manner as to—
(i.) The Sanitary conditions, structure and character of the premises on which the food
products are prepared, stored or packed, with special regard to the possibility of contamination
of food products at any stage :
(ii.) The cleanliness and wholesomeness of the materials employed in the preparation,
storing and packing of the food products, and
(iii.) The precautions taken to avoid the utilisation for food purposes of diseased, unsound
or unwholesome materials in any portion of the premises, and arrangements for the
safe deposit of any material which on account of disease, unsoundness or unwholesomeness
or any other reason is unfit for human food.
In the case of products derived from the flesh of cattle, sheep, swine or goats,
the Certifying Officer must also satisfy himself that the animals from which the
products are prepared have been subject to an ante mortem and post mortem
veterinary inspection and found free from disease and suitable for human food.
When the products are prepared from animals slaughtered in the United
Kingdom the Certifying Officer must, before certification as to Veterinary examination—
(a) Be satisfied that the animals were subject to ante mortem and post mortem veterinary
examination by an officer of the Local Authority for which he himself acts ;
(b) Be satisfied that the animals were slaughtered in a public abbatoir under official
veterinary inspection, or
(c) Be furnished by the applicant with a declaration, signed by a qualified Veterinary
Surgeon, appointed by the firm, with the approval of the Certifying Officer, to the effect that
an ante mortem and post mortem examination was made by him, and that the animals so
examined were found to be free from disease.
Where the products are prepared from material imported from overseas,
the Certifying Officer must satisfy himself that such material was accompanied
by a certificate as to ante mortem and post mortem Veterinary inspection, signed
by an official from the Government of the exporting country, being a country
whose certificate the Canadian Authorities are prepared to accept. These countries,
in addition to Canada, are Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and the United
States of America.
The Certifying Officer is authorised to withold the Certificate if in his view
the information obtained is not entirely satisfactory. Information and details of
such refusal is required to be forwarded to the Ministry of Health.
Your Medical Officer of Health has been appointed by the Ministry of Health
to act as the Certifying Officer for the City of London.
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