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34
During the year 168 visits were paid to premises used for
the sale or manufacture of ice-cream. 51 samples were purchased
and submitted for bacterial analysis, of which 41 were satisfactory,
10 were not. The number of manufacturers or vendors registered
during the year was 10.3.
A manufacturer outside this area applied to be registered as
a vendor in this district, but in view of unsatisfactory samples and
the fact that the Authority in which the premises are situated had
deferred registration, the application was suspended. Upon further
unsatisfactory samples being submitted the applicant was
interviewed by the Public Health Committee and advised regarding
the improvement of methods of manufacture.
Food Poisoning.
Under section 105 (1) of the Dagenham Urban District Council
Act, 1931, 17 notifications of food poisoning were received. There
were 4 instances in which two or more members of the same family
suffered from symptoms suggesting food poisoning.
In order to assist the enquiries in the source of poisoning, the
medical practitioner is required, when notifying a case, to include
particulars of the food he suspects.
The 17 reported cases were spread throughout the year and
at no particular time was there any outstanding incidence of this
condition.
It will be noticed from the table that foods alleged to have
caused poisoning were of very assorted natures. Each case, on
being reported, is visited and the origin of the suspected food trace
when possible. None of the cases reported could be regarded as
true instances of food poisoning. At the foot of the table will be
found a summary of the suspected cause of illness. None of
food examined showed any evidence of decomposition.
The value of notification of food poisoning may not immediately
be apparent, but on closer examination of the subject it will be
recognised that the Health Department is able to glean valuable
information with regard to the wholesomeness of the food supply
of the area, as the fact that certain foods are suspected initiates an
inspection of the methods of production, storage and retail of the
commodity under consideration.