Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]
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OUTBREAKS OF FOOD POISONING, AND CLEAN FOOD
CAMPAIGN
The department continued to pursue actively all measures directed to
ensuring clean food, both in preparation and as served in cafes and
eating houses, and this is reflected in the increased number of visits paid
to food premises during the year, as recorded on page 24 and 25.
No prosecutions were brought against any person under the Food and
Drugs Act or the bye-laws during the year.
Under present legislation, it is generally considered that good
standards of hygiene are maintained throughout the Borough in all the
food trades.
During the year food poisoning notifications were received as follows:—
1st quarter | Total | 2 | ||
2nd quarter | ||||
Nil | ||||
Nil | ||||
Agent identified | Total | 2 | ||
Unknown cause |
The case in which the agent was identified (shepherd s pie, containing
staphylococcal toxin) involved a bank manager, who became ill after
consuming his lunch at a bank canteen in London. It is understood that
an outbreak took place in association with this canteen, which was fully
investigated by the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Westminster.
The case in which no article of food could be identified was found to
be excreting salmonella typhimurium. She was a female child of 7 years,
and the carrier state continued for some months.
NUTRITION
With the gradual discontinuance of food rationing, the impression is
gained, by the examination of children, that nutritional standards are
even higher than previously recorded. This probably reflects the consumption
of a higher proportion of protein (meat, fish and eggs) in the
general diet.
The Government scheme for the provision of welfare foods has been
continued throughout the year, and in addition, proprietary brands of
vitamin preparations have been provided through the Surrey County
Council's welfare centres.
SHELL FISH (MOLLUSCAN)
Only a small quantity of shell fish is marketed in the district, and is
obtained chiefly from Billingsgate Market, London.
34