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46
On the whole, the standard of cleanliness of the
ice-cream manufactured by the large distributing
companies was very high and the tendency seems towards
the elimination of small shop-keeper producers in
favour of their receiving consignments daily from the
above-mentioned distributors.
Food Poisoning.
Under section 105 (1) of the Dagenham Urban
District Council Act, 1931, 9 notifications of food
poisoning were received. All occurred between the
months of May and October. In only two cases did
symptoms occur in more than one person in the same
alleged outbreak.
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 traced 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 the 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.