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it very liable to contamination, and more than one wide-spread outbreak of infectious
disease have been recorded in which ice-cream has been the vehicle by which infection
has been conveyed. During the summer months, deaths due to irritation of the
stomach and bowels' attributed to the consumption of ice-cream are of not infrequent
occurrence. Ice-cream in itself, taken in moderation is not harmful, it is the noxious
matters by which it is readily contaminated, which cause mischief. This contamination
can be prevented if only due care is exercised in its manufacture and
storeage, and every effort should be made in the interest of the public health that
the necessary precautions are observed. The London County Council are now
seeking legislation on lines which have been considered and approved of by the
Shoreditch Borough Council with a view to ensuring that manufacturers of ice-cream
shall be under statutory obligation to take all adequate measures for the preservation
of ice-cream from contamination and infection.
Thirteen ice-cream shops were inspected by inspector Lear. Ten of these were
found in a clean and satisfactory sanitary condition. In the remaining three, defects of
major or minor importance were met with. In one instance the milk used in the icecream
was found to have been scalded in a room used for sleeping purposes.
Of seven premises visited by inspector Quelch four were found in an unsatisfactory
condition. In two instances grave sanitary defects were found existing.
Seven premises were inspected by inspector Firth ; in six of them sanitary defects
were found, such as defective drains, defective yard paving, rain water pipes connected
directly with the drains, dilapidations of floors, stairs, windows, and doors, and
defective ventilation.
Fifteen premises upon which ice cream was manufactured were inspected by
inspector Jordan. Six were found in a satisfactory and cleanly condition; in the
remaining nine sanitary defects of more or less gravity were discovered, such as
defectively paved yards, untrapped sink waste pipes, defective water closets, dilapidations,
dirty condition of premises, defective drains in two instances, and in one overcrowding
of the premises. In four cases the conditions existing were found to be very
unsatisfactory.
Twelve premises were visited by inspector Lindon. Eight were found in a more
or less unsatisfactory state, the principal defects being dilapidations, dirt, defective yard
paving, defective water closets, and untrapped sink waste pipes. In one instance
there was overcrowding.
Altogether, of 54 premises inspected, 24 were found satisfactory, and kept in a
cleanly condition, and 30 were unsatisfactory, requiring more or less attention to put
them in a proper sanitary condition. In two or three instances it was necessary to
report the facts of the ease to the Health Committee, and statutory notices under the
Public Health Act were served, In the end all the defects discovered were remedied.