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70
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF FOODS.
During the year 17 samples of milk, 3 samples of condensed
milk, 2 of sardines, 2 of salmon, 14 of ice cream and one of
tinned tongue were taken for microscopical and bacteriological
examination. Reports have already been presented to your
Committee on the subject. Fourteen of the milks were
examined microscopically, and in three a special search was
made for tubercle bacillus. The reports cannot be said to be at
all satisfactory. There was in almost all of them a trace of pus
and blood, and a pretty high bacterial content, whilst in quite a
number of the samples streptococci were present. A copy of the
report of the Bacteriologist was sent in all cases to the vendor, or
in cases were Companies were concerned, to the Managing
Director or Secretary, and they were invited to offer any
explanation of the conditions found. A few specimens of the
reports received are given herewith :—
Sample No. 1510.
"The deposit from this specimen is fairly large, of a
"brownish colour, and has a trace of pus, and very little blood.
"The bacteria are very numerous, amongst which are a few
"streptococci."
Sample No. 1920.
"This sample contains a distinct trace of pus, with an
"occasional red blood disc and numerous streptococci. There
"is only a minimal trace of extraneous matter which includes
"vegetable debris and microscopic grit. The number of
"bacteria, apart from the streptococci, is quite low. Evidently
" one cow has streptococcal mastitis and should be excluded
" before the milk is marketed."
Sample No. 1921.
"This sample contains a distinct trace of pus, a small
"number of red blood discs, and a few streptococci. There is
"hardly any extraneous matter, and the total bacterial
"content is unusually low, but the milk is not fit for human
" consumption."
Sample No. 1923.
"The deposit from this specimen contains a trace of pus,
"and a very small number of tubercle bacilli of the bovine
" type. Other bacteria are scarce."
Sample No. 1927. •
"This sample is rather rich in cellular elements, but as they
"consist of colostrum corpuscles and lymphocytes, this is due
"to physiological causes. There are no pus or red blood
"discs, and no streptococci were seen. There are, however, a
"little vegetable debris and fine grit, which have imported
"rather more bacteria than a first class milk should contain."