View report page

For some years, up to May, 1964, ice cream samples in this Borough were examined
by the bacterial plate count method which gave an accurate picture of the bacteriological
condition of the ice cream (Table A).
It could also indicate, if there was a poor bacteriological result of the samples, whether
the contamination was due to faecal coli which could be attributed to bad personal hygiene
of food handlers, or to poor cleanliness of equipment.
During 1964, the Public Health Laboratory staff of Ealing unfortunately found it
impossible to continue the grading of ice cream by this method and samples from the
beginning of June were graded by the Methylene Blue Reduction Test which is considered
sufficient by the Ministry of Health Officials and had to be accepted by us.
The results of samples taken from June, 1964, are shown in Table B.
The Methylene Blue Reduction Test, although giving some indication as to the bacteriological
condition of the ice cream samples, does not give any indication of the type
of organisms, and, therefore, does not help in the identification of the source of the contamination.
It is extremely urgent that the new Borough should provide its own Laboratory
quickly in order that sampling to prevent disease and adulteration of food can be quick,
thorough and informative.
Thirty-four samples were taken of imitation cream. Twenty-four of these were excellent,
and ten satisfactory.
Other samples taken:—
Steak and Kidney Satisfactory 2
Corned Beef Satisfactory 1
Irish Stew Unsatisfactory 1
Prawns Satisfactory 5;
Unsatisfactory 3
Shellfish Satisfactory 6
The following information has been obtained by courtesy of the Public Control
Officer of Middlesex County Council on work carried out in Southall by staff of that
Department.