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84
Environmental Health
Watercress
The watercress produced within the Borough is subjected to chemical sterilization and of the
seven samples submitted for bacteriological examination all but one were found to be satisfactory.
The unsatisfactory sample was the result of a failure to carry out this sterilization process.
Food poisoning
One large outbreak of food poisoning occurred among factory workers affecting sixty-five of
the one hundred persons eating lunch provided at the canteen.
Investigation revealed that the causative organism was non-Haemolytic Clostridium welchii
type 10. None of the suspected food, a "Cottage Pie", was available for laboratory examination but
the circumstantial evidence suggested that the cottage pie was the cause. The pie had been subjected
to cooking and re-heating.
All the other foods eaten by the affected persons were submitted for examination and were found
to be free from food poisoning organisms with the exception of a powdered soup which contained
Clostridium welchii but of a different type from that isolated from the patients.
The fact that a satisfactory standard of hygiene was maintained at the premises was an insufficient
safeguard to health, as control of this particular type of organism is dependent upon the correct
cooking and handling techniques. It had been the general practice to cook meats in advance of
requirement and to re-heat them prior to service.
The incident was used as an object lesson to management and staff on the need for ensuring that,
so far as possible, all food stuffs are freshly prepared.
WATER SUPPLIES
Mains Supplies