London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Hillingdon 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hillingdon]
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| Food | No. of Samples Submitted | Satisfactory | Unsatisfactory | Suspicious |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bean Shoots | 1 | - | 1 | - |
| Cooked Chicken | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Cooked Ham | 37 | 26 | 11 | – |
| Cooked Meat | 8 | 6 | 2 | – |
| Egg Noodles | 5 | 2 | 3 | – |
| Frozen Meals | 4 | 4 | — | – |
| Meat Pies | 2 | 2 | — | – |
| Prawns (frozen) | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Raw Chicken | 1 | — | 1 | |
| Raw Meat | 24 | 8 | 15 | 1 |
| Sausages | 3 | 2 | 1 | – |
| Other Food | 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| Totals | 114 | 68 | 41 | 5 |
Bacteriological Assessment of Hygiene
During the year the agar sausage technique was introduced. It was used at food premises where
the cleansing routine was felt to be unsatisfactory. Briefly, the method involves the use of an agar-filled
plastic casing. The end of the casing is cut off and the exposed agar surface is used to take an impression
from the surface to be tested, e.g., work-top, equipment or utensil. The slice of agar is then removed and
placed in a petri dish for incubation. The number of colonies developing provides an indication as to
the state of cleanliness in a form which can be readily appreciated by the staff concerned.
Departmental Laboratory
The appointment of a Technical Assistant for duties in the departmental laboratory, and for
assisting with the work associated with food control, has proved invaluable.
A portable ultra-violet light has been purchased and is proving an effective means of demonstrating
contaminated surfaces, etc. It was particularly beneficial when used for demonstration purposes during
food hygiene talks.
Health Education
Education of the food handler in hygienic methods and practices is a continuing process and is
effected by the inspector during his routine inspection of food premises, by his contacts with management
and staff, discussions of sample results, and in many other ways. Food premises are also kept
supplied with the various posters relating to matters of food hygiene.
During the year 19 talks on food hygiene were given by inspectors to a total of 560 people. The
talks were given to staff of the School Meals Service, Health and Welfare establishments, food shops,
hospitals and to domestic science students.
The window in Uxbridge High Street used by the Department for display purposes was, for one
month, devoted to food poisoning and its prevention—a subject which at the time was particularly
topical.
Displays relating to the work of the public health inspector in connection with the control of food
and food hygiene also featured in the "Welcome to Citizenship" Exhibition and the Civic Stand at the
Borough Show.