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food condemned, will be found in the statistics set out on
page 35.
Three cases of alleged food poisoning from the consumption
of tinned food were received and dealt with, particulars of
which are set out below. In all cases I was able to avail myself
of the assistance of the Ministry of Health Laboratories, and I
desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. C. T. Maitland
(Ministry of Health) for his reports and valuable advise thereon.
(1) Illness alleged to be due to the consumption of tinned
strawberries. A sample of the strawberries complained of was
submitted for examination and found to be bacteriologically
and chemically sound. Subsequent events confirmed that the
illness did not arise from the source alleged.
(2) Illness alleged to have arisen from the consumption of a
well-known brand of tinned meat. In this case the sample
complained of was submitted to the firm of packers, who in
turn had submitted it to their own expert—Professor Hewlett.
His report stated that he was unable to trace the organisms of
the "Salmonella" food poisoning group or any organism of
pathogenic significance. A tin of the same brand of beef
appeared to be in quite sound condition.
(3) Illness alleged to be due to the consumption of tinned
salmon. A whole family were alleged to have suffered from
food poisoning in this case, and the medical practitioner
attending stated that in his opinion the salmon was the probable
cause of the illness. In this case, however, the empty tin only
was forthcoming, and examination showed that the tin was
bright and in good condition. Examination of the remainder
of the stock of this particular brand at the shop from which it
was purchased showed the tins to be bright and in sound
condition. I understand that the packers and the complainant
ultimately settled the matter.
(c) and (d) Adulteration, etc.
This work is in the hands of the Middlesex County Council,
and no samples were submitted to the County Analyst by this
Authority.
(e) Nutrition—Dissemination of Knowledge.
No special action was taken in this respect, beyond that
given in lectures to mothers attending the Maternity and Child
Welfare Clinics, and by the Dental Surgeon to school children.