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During the year 59 samples of ice cream were submitted for bacteriological examination
; they were graded as follows:—
Grade I Grade II Grade III Grade IV Total
37 12 6 4 59
In addition 28 lollies were submitted for examination. Eight were considered to
be "fair" and three unsatisfactory; in each case the lollies were manufactured outside
the Borough and the local authority concerned were informed.
Five samples of ice cream were taken from the one manufacturer in the Borough;
four samples were Grade I and one sample Grade II.
The advent of ":soft" ice cream manufactured on the vehicle calls for strict surveillance.
Unsound Food
Complaints continue to be received and considered by the Public Health Committee
in respect of food containing foreign substances or otherwise alleged to be unfit for
human consumption. During the year 29 such complaints were investigated. Legal
proceedings were taken in four cases. A fine of £30 was imposed in one case and £5 in
each of two cases; one case was dismissed.
Registration of Food Hawkers
Under the provisions of the Essex County Council Act, 1952, Section 103, five
persons were registered as Food Hawkers; two had storage premises in the Borough.
Food Poisoning
10 cases of food poisoning were notified during the year. The following is a copy
of the annual return submitted to the Ministry of Health:—
1 st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total
1 —3 6 10
Cases otherwise ascertained Nil
Symptomless Excreters Nil
Fatal Cases Nil
Particulars of Outbreak:—
No. of Outbreaks
No. of Cases
Total No.
of cases
Family
Outbreaks
Other
Outbreaks
Notified
Otherwise
Ascertained
Agent identified
Typhimurium
1
-
2
-
2
CI. Welchii
1
—
2
—
2
Totals
2
—
4
—
4
Agents not identified
—
—
—
—
—
22