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37
Wrapped Bread.
The compulsory wrapping of bread continues to engage public
support, but it appears on adequate grounds to be at the moment
impracticable. Few instances seem to be authenticated in which
bread has actually been incriminated as a vehicle of infection and
although its delivery as a wrapped product, naturally appeals
strongly to one ; nevertheless this may incline forgetfulness of the
fact that it is likely to be handled very considerably subsequent to
its delivery and prior to its consumption. We should, therefore,
co-incidentally emphasise the necessity for careful protection and
delivery by the vendor and careful handling by the consumer.
School Canteens.
It tell to our lot during the year as a result largely of the outbreaks
of Dysentery and Enteritis in schools noted elsewhere, to
inspect with the School Medical Authorities, the school canteens
affected.
No doubt can exist as to the sense of responsibility felt by
those in charge of such canteens and unfortunately, but quite
unavoidably, the risk of some mishap must exist whether the canteen
be attached to the school, a factory, or anywhere else, dealing
with large numbers of diners.
No standard can be too high for the hygiene routine as it
relates to any establishment of this kind and repeated inspection,
followed by a speedy remedying of any faults found, will, I think,
go far to achieve and maintain the desired standard.
It is in my view essential that the ncmber of meals supplied
should be governed by the facilities which exist for supplying them,
and not by the demand for them. Even in present circumstances
it is, 1 think, essential that canteens should await the completion of
extensions rather than that they should under unfavourable circumstances
endeavour, in advance, to cope with the increased demand
for meals which made their extension necessary.
SECTION F.
PREVALENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS
DISEASE.
Diphtheria.
Last year it was noted that not a single case of this disease
had occurred. The current year unfortunately opened with a fatal
case within the first week.
This case was of interest in showing how quite sporadically
from no known cause a severe instance of the disease can occur,