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Following information that part of a consignment of chickens involved in this outbreak of food
poisoning had also been sent to a wedding reception in this Borough, a list of guests was obtained
and all were visited.
87 persons were investigated, 40 in this Borough and 47 out of the Borough. 39 cases in all
were found to be bacteriologically positive (23 — including 3 food handlers — in this Borough and
16 outside the Borough). Almost all on interview had stated that they had eaten chicken. Pathological
Reports confirmed as the causative organisms : —
Salmonella enteritidis 28
Salmonella Group C 1
Salmonella Group D 5
Salmonella unidentified 5
From observations made during the inspection of the premises concerned it would appear that
surface contamination of the birds with bacteria from their guts was the likely source of infection.
All infected persons recovered.
CHEMICAL
CADMIUM POISONING
Cadmium is a metal used for plating iron and steel to prevent corrosion. Its salts if ingested are
toxic and irritant, causing vomiting and gastric pain. Recovery fortunately is usually rapid.
In July 1968, four members of the staff at a swimming bath and six members of the public
complained of stomach pains and/or headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. Two further cases outside
the Borough were also reported. Investigation showed that all had drunk a proprietary beverage
served from a dispenser unit at the swimming bath cafe. Samples of the beverage were sent for
both chemical and bacteriological examinations.
The bacteriological results were negative, but the chemical analysis revealed the presence of
cadmium 110 parts per million by weight and iron 25 parts per million by weight.
The beverage is supplied in stainless steel containers which have an aperture for cleaning,
normally closed by a stainless steel cover held in place by an external clamp. The particular container
supplying the dispensing machine at the cafe was found to contain inside a loose clamp
which should not have been there at all. The clamps were made of ordinary steel and were plated
with cadmium. The acid nature of the beverage had obviously attacked the cadmium and the steel,
thus accounting for the iron and cadmium found by the analyst.
This type of container has been in use for many years in many countries in Europe and it is
understood that this is the first time a problem of this type had arisen. Whilst the chance of a
further occurrence was remote, the nationally known firm decided to be extra cautious and
replace many thousands of the cadmium plated clamps with devices made from stainless steel
which is unaffected by the beverage and is perfectly safe.
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