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56
UNSOUND FISH.
On the 15th November, in the course of some investigations
I was making as to certain cases of Enteric Fever, I had occasion
to call at a fried fish shop, and I took the opportunity to make an
inspection of the hygienic conditions of the premises and of the fish
in course of preparation for food. The result of my inspection of
the latter was that I seized and had destroyed 11 st. plaice, 35 lbs.
haddocks, and 20 lbs. hake, which I considered to be stale and unfit
for human food. This seizure brought me a visit from the Chief
Inspector of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, who maintained
in effect that the fish was fit for food.
The fish certainly was not actually putrid, but it was decidedly
stale, and had evidently been kept a long time in ice. Unfortunately
it is a matter of considerable difficulty at times to decide when fish
which has been kept in ice becomes unfit for food, and consequently
when it should be condemned. In my opinion too much latitude
is generally allowed in this respect, and the demand for a higher
standard of freshness could and would be easily met.
The seizure and condemnation of fish in the state in which
this was found to be does a great deal of good in raising the standard
throughout the neighbourhood.
This I have proved to be the case, for on ordering more frequent
visits to be paid to the fish shops my Inspectors report a general
all-round improvement in the quality of the fish sold.
FOOD POISONING.
The following is a report on certain cases of illness following
the consumption of whelks:—