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encouragement of better refrigeration arrangements and the use of an approved sterilizing agent
to supplement normal cleansing of kitchen surfaces on which food is prepared or stored. The
use of approved chemical agents is recognised under the Milk and Dairies Regulations in cowsheds,
dairies, etc., and it seems logical to extend these requirements as a recommendation to
those engaged in the catering industry.
In accordance with the decision of the Health Committee a notice, a copy of which follows,
has been printed and will be circulated to the owners or occupiers of all kitchens of restaurants
in the City of London early in 1958.
CORPORATION OF LONDON
FOOD POISONING
(1) Illness through food poisoning is increasing year by year.
(2) Many cases of food poisoning result from a failure properly to wash and sterilize
kitchen utensils and equipment, and from the practice of preparing and cooking
meat, gravies, made-up dishes, trifles and custards on the day before they are to
be epten.
(3) If it is practicable all food should be cooked and served the same day.
(4) The following measures for preventing the possible outbreak of food poisoning
should be strictly observed:
(a) All surfaces in the kitchen and the refrigerator on which food is prepared or
stored should be properly washed at least once daily and sterilized by an
approved chemical agent.
(b) Meat or made-up dishes must be well cooked.
(c) To prevent harmful genns from multiplying, all food after cooking; unless it is
for immediate consumption, must be rapidly cooled in a well ventilated room or
larder outside the kitchen.
(d) The food should then be stored in a refrigerator maintained at a temperature
between 32 deg. F. and 40 deg. F. at all times. (Every refrigerator should be
fitted with a thermometer).
(e) The food must be served as quickly as possible after re-heating.
(5) Further information on this or any other aspect of hygiene in catering establishments
is obtainable from the Medical Officer of Health, Guildhall, City of London,
E.C.2.
February, 1958
MASS RADIOGRAPHY
The Mass Radiography Unit of the North East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board continued
to operate-during the year from your premises at 20, Golden Lane.
The total number of examinees was 52,865, in addition to 9,242 City workers when the Unit
was mobile, i.e. when operating at the premises of three large City firms, where employees were
X-rayed at their place of work.
The Unit is also available to the boroughs of Finsbury, Stepney and Shoreditch, although the
majority of examinees are employed in the City.
The following is an extract from the Annual Report for 1957 of the Medical Director of the
Unit, Dr. W.D.R. Thompson.
Introduction
"During 1957 the Unit examined 40,097 males and 25,295 females, making a total of
65,392 which is a slight increase on the previous year's figure. The final total would have
been higher but for the wave of illness which struck the City of London during the latter
months of the year, and which greatly affected the attendances at the Unit. Up to the end
of 1957 the Unit has examined 248,470 males and 177,569 females making a grand total of
426,039.
"Eighty-four active cases of tuberculosis have been discovered, which is a 35% increase
on last year's results, and gives a rate of 1.28 per 1,000 examined. Of these eighty-four
cases it is interesting to note that seventy-nine were discovered from firms which have been
previously examined by the Unit and only five from new firms, although the ratio of new to
old firms was one to seven. This would appear to indicate that it is not a wasted effort
re-examining firms after a suitable lapse of time.
"The Unit functioned at the Mass Radiography Centre, 20, Golden Lane, E.C.I, from
1st January to 30th April and from 8th August to 31st December, during which periods there
was a continuous flow of examinees from the City of London, the Metropolitan Boroughs of
Finsbury and Shoreditch,Health and Teaching Staffs of the London County Council, Doctor's
referrals and the General Public. All volunteers attended as a result of prior appointments
which has proved to be the most acceptable method to all concerned.
4.