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The Dairymen have again shewn their willingness to co-operate
and very soon it is expected that Walthamstow will have a 100%
retail delivery of milk, bottled or in sealed churns, sold as received
from the dairies holding Pasteurisers and Bottlers' licences.
Lectures relative to the Clean Food Campaign have been given
by the Medical and Sanitary Inspectors' staffs and much interest
has been shewn by numerous members of the public.
At some later date the Council will no doubt consider the
question of compiling "Codes of Practice" for all food trades and
the formulating of "Grading Schemes."
The Council have resolved to make byelaws in regard to the
Handling, Wrapping and Delivery of Food, and in connection
with the Sale or Exposure in the Open Air of Food intended for
human consumption. The matter is now in hand.
(g) Food Poisoning Outbreaks.
During the year eleven outbreaks were brought to light
involving 110 children and 30 adults. One death was notified.
The outbreaks may be summarised as follows :—
Cases Meals served
Factory Canteens 2 21 400-500
Schools Meals Service 5 104 3,100
Seaside Vendors 2 13 Numerous
Restaurants 1 1 Numerous
Private 1 1
No. 1 Factory Canteen.—A specimen meal was available. This
was submitted to the Pathologist at Epping, with negative
results.
No. 2 Factory Canteen.—A death from suspected food poisoning
was reported by the Coroner. The deceased man had a midday
meal at the Canteen. 300-400 meals were served—no
other case of illness reported.
With regard to the Schools' Meals Service—
Outbreak No. 1.—37 cases, 150 meals served. Pains and
Diarrhoea 3-4 hours after mid-day meal. No food available.
Swab of faeces proved negative.
Outbreak No. 2.—50 cases, 200 meals served. Pains and
Diarrhoea 12 hours after mid-day meal. Two specimens Cold
Beef submitted.
Result (a) Moderate growth of coagulase positive staphylococcus.
(b) No pathogenic organisms isolated.
Outbreak No. 3.—5 cases, 150 meals served. On various occasions
pains in stomach 2-3 hours after mid-day meals. Five rectal
swabs taken. Result—No pathogenic organisms isolated.