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23
The results of bacteriological examination show that too
much emphasis cannot be laid on the importance of careful and
cleanly methods being employed in the production and distribution
of milk. Every effort is made to elicit the co-operation of
persons engaged in the trade, and advice in technique is continually
being given by the 'Staff of the Health Department.
Meat.
Supervision by the Inspectors over Slaughterhouses has
been carried out extensively during the year. This work could
be done more easily and more effectively if the hours of slaughtering
could be arranged more conveniently. A summary of
the work of the Inspectors is shown in the tables.
No legal action has been taken by this Authority with
regard to unsound meat. One successful action was taken by
this Authority for exposing food for sale which was unfit for
human consumption.
Other Foods.
The routine sampling of foods under the Food and Drugs
Act is undertaken by an Inspector who is appointed by the
Kent County Council.
Samples of suspected foods are submitted to the County
Laboratory at Maidstone for examination.
A case of suspected food poisoning, alleged to be due to
iced cake, was brought to our notice during the year. Thorough
investigation was carried out, and samples of the cake and icing
submitted for analysis. The result of the analysis showed that
the cause of the alleged poisoning could be attributed to neither
the cake nor the icing.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
Reference to the table on page 25 will show that a considerable
reduction in the total incidence of infectious disease has
taken place compared with last year's figure which was 240.
There was a considerable drop in the number of cases of
Scarlet Fever notified—35; and a slight increase in the number
of cases of Diphtheria—57.
Of the 35 cases of Scarlet Fever, 30 were admitted to the
Sanatorium, whilst all the 57 cases of Diphtheria underwent
treatment in Hospital. Diphtheria was responsible for one
death in the Sanatorium.