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poisoning outbreaks which are being recorded each year throughout
the country,even when the much more accurate system of recording
is taken into account, it must be realised that the commoner
organisms which cause food poisoning, especially the salmonella group
seem to have established themselves throughout the population,
especially the urban population of these Islands. Fortunately
we can at least say that the simpler non-fatal form of foodpoisoning
has now taken the place of such diseases of the gastrointestinal
tract as cholera and the enteric fever group.In other
words, killing diseases which formerly swept the population in
vast, over-whelming waves, have now been replaced by comparatively
mild attacks of food poisoning caused by germs apparently introduced
within recent years to this country.
This, of course, is highly satisfactory when the picture
less than 100 years ago in regard to such diseases as cholera
and typhoid fever is placed against the food poisoning and
dysentery situation as we know it today But this is only part
of the story. So long as outbreaks or even individual cases of
food poisoning are occurring so long must it be recognised that
these attacks are neither haphazard nor the result of some
unfortunate coincidence- Food poisoning is the logical result of
faulty methods in the preparation handling selling and cooking
of food The fact that the number of outbreaks of food poisoning,
however small these outbreaks may be which are reported each
year from England and Wales is very much higher than medical
officers would like to see continues to give rise to concern.
As I have just said, it means that conditions are being allowed
to exist which act to the prejudice of the public and which
place the health and sometimes even th® life of our people in
jeopardy.lt would be dangerous to argue that food poisoning today
is mild, that drastic action is not required that an illness
seldom lasting more than a few days need cause no one much concern
That is surely a policy of stark despair. This country which
has a history second to none in the realm of promoting health
should not rest on its laurels until our reputation in the world
of food hygiene has been completely re-established.
In Wood Green, with our limited number of Public Health
Inspectors, all of whom have many other duties to perform we do
our best by periodic visits, selected inspections advice and
guidance and, where necessary, legal action to improve the
standard of food hygiene in food premises operating within the
Borough. This is a never-ending task as it must be admitted
that we are still far from approaching that ideal which au of
us so fervently desire The Public Health Department also takes
as many opportunities as possible to address local organisations
on the matter of clean food what part the housewlft? can play in
this great effort what attitude the ordinary ratepayer should
adopt It is impossible to say what impact these talks very
often accompanied by one or more sound films have But it is
hoped that the cumulative effect will eventually be felt
I am very happy to be able to report that during 1957 1 was
invited by the Secretary of the Northern Hospital Group to visit
the kitchens at the Wood Green & Southgate Hospital. Such visits
are of the greatest importance, establishing that cordial
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