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made it appeared that the ham had been in the shop since the 25th May, small
portions being sold daily until the 7th June. The shop-keeper surrendered the
remains of the ham and this, with some minced ham from the house, was submitted
for bacteriological examination. The bacteriologist reported as follows :—
"The ham is undoubtedly "bad." The organisms obtained in culture
are those associated with pus and must have been introduced into the meat.
The staphylococci were predominant in number. Further, the organisms, I
should think must have obtained access to the meat after cooking, or else the
cooking must have been very inefficient."
Chemical and Bacteriological Examination of Food.—In addition to the
bacteriological examination of milk already referred to, a few other samples of
food, particularly in connection with the notification of food poisoning, were submitted
for bacteriological examination. The results of the chemical examinations
are found in Table No. 18, and of the bacteriological examinations of milk, after
Tables Nos. 12 and 14, whilst those in connection with food poisoning are dealt
with on the previous page.
In connection with an outbreak of food poisoning in another Metropolitan
Borough certain samples of split peas were bacteriologically examined. The
bacteriologist reported as follows :—
"The peas are contaminated with organisms of animal origin to a serious
degree. There is also present an organism apparently of the Anthracoides
type which possesses toxic properties. This organism is not B. Anthracis."
Nutrition.—Dissemination of knowledge and instruction on matters affecting
nutrition is part of the Council's general scheme of health propaganda, q.v.
At the end of the year the Public Health Committee were considering a scheme
for the instruction of the wives and mothers of the tuberculous in the buying and
cooking of simple, cheap and nutritious articles of food and the preparation of
suitable dishes.
Bye-Laws.—The power was given to the London County Council in the General
Powers Act, 1932, to make bye-laws with regard to food premises. At the end of
the year none had been made but it is understood that draft bye-laws were under
consideration.