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
Port of London 1929
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Port of London]
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Specimens were sent for examination to the London School of Hygiene and
Tropical Medicine, and also to the Ministry of Health. The former replied that no
evidence of infection with (Esophagostomum could be found. The latter forwarded
their specimen to the British Museum, Natural History Branch, from whom the
following very interesting reply was received:—
"I have cultured various fungi from the skin of the smoked Sausage
which you submitted to this Department for examination. 'The small dark red
spots are apparently caused by the fungus Aspergillus candidus. The mycelial
threads of the fungus form a pad, which can be seen on sectioning the darkened
skin. In no case has penetration of the skin taken place. A similar spot is
produced after eight to ten days' growth after inoculation.
"I have no record of any human or animal complaint due to this fungus,
and have not been able to trace any record of the production of deleterious
substances during its growth on organic material."
It seems desirable to record the fact that these spots on smoked Sausage are not
due to an animal parasite, but to a harmless mould, in order that the information may
come to the notice of other Medical Officers of Health and Food Inspectors.
PUBLIC HEALTH (IMPORTED FOOD) REGULATIONS, 1925.
In accordance with Article 11 (4) of the above-mentioned Regulations, Notices were served for the exportation of the following material:—
| Description and Quantity of Meat and Fats. | Where from. | Number of Notices served. |
|---|---|---|
| 5,810 casks Tallow, &c | Australia | 69 |
| 21,290 „ „ | New Zealand | 415 |
| 2,105 „ „ | South America | 7 |
| 311 „ „ | Other ports | 8 |
| 106 cases Pork Legs | South America | 5 |
| 10 ,, ,, Loins | ||
| 49 „ Pigs' Kidneys | ||
| 78 ,, „ Livers | ||
| 5 ,, Pork Fat Backs | ||
| 189 bags Pigs' Livers | New Zealand | |
| 1 „ ,, Hearts | 2 | |
| 23 „ „ Kidneys | - | |
| 16 „ „ Tongues | 506 |
PUBLIC HEALTH (IMPORTED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1926.
No importation of milk requiring action under these Regulations was reported
during the year.
PUBLIC HEALTH (PRESERVATIVES, &c., IN FOOD) REGULATIONS,
1925 TO 1927.
For action under these Regulations, reference is directed to the list of foodstuffs
submitted for analysis.
FERTILISERS AND FEEDING STUFFS ACT, 1926.
No samples were taken under this Act during the year.
(2) SHELLFISH.
PUBLIC HEALTH (SHELLFISH) REGULATIONS, 1915.
ORDERS OF NOVEMBER, 1916.
The Shellfish beds, for which orders for relaying of shellfish for human food and
for efficient sterilization of cockles and winkles have been made, "reach from
Canvey Island on the West to N. Shoebury on the East.
No case of Infectious Disease attributed to shellfish from these beds has been
notified to your Medical Officer during the year.