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Owing to the perishable nature of this cargo, all applications for release for re-export to the
Continent, where generally the presence of Thiourea and certain colouring matters in such food is
not prohibited, were agreed to and it was not necessary in any case to take formal action of
seizure and condemnation.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food were kept informed of the results of analysis
and representations were made to the Brazilian Authorities.
IMPORTED DESICCATED COCONUT
In the course of routine sampling of imported foods, samples of desiccated coconut were
taken on importation and submitted for bacteriological examination early in December.
Of three samples submitted, one each of "fine", "medium" and "thread", the "fine" was
reported contaminated with organisms of the Salmonella group, later identified as Sal. Newport.
It was found that this shipment of "fine" coconut had already been distributed to eight
different firms and the Medical Officers of Health of the areas concerned were immediately
informed of the circumstances. Remaining stocks held in Hackney, Leyton and Richmond were
sampled, and Sal. Newport was isolated from those taken at Hackney and Leyton, and Sal.
Paratyphi B. from those taken at Richmond.
All shipments of "fine" coconut are being detained at the docks pending bacteriological
examination and samples of "medium" and other grades continue to be taken without detention of
cargoes. Imports through the Port of London average 400-500 tons monthly.
It has been agreed that shipments found to be contaminated with Salmonella organisms and
condemned as unfit for human consumption may be removed under detention for oil extraction
involving sufficiently high temperatures during the process to destroy the organisms present.
This process will be carried out under the supervision of the Medical Officer of Health of the
area in which the mill is situate.
The results of examinations carried out by the end of the year are as follows:-
Fine Medium Chippings, Flake, &c.
By Port Health Officers of this Authority 14 negative. 20 negative. 10 negative.
3 positive Salmonella. 1 positive Salmonella.
By M.O.H. Hackney of suspected shipment already distribed. 1 negative. 4 negative.
1 positive Salmonella.
By M.O.H. Leyton of suspected shipment already distribbed 1 negative,
1 positive Salmonella.
By M.O.H. Richmond of suspected shipment already distributed. 13 negative,
1 positive Salmonella.
s.s. "TWEED" FROM SOUTH AMERICA, BERTHED AT "F" SHED, VICTORIA DOCK
The abovementioned ship arrived with a full refrigerated cargo of Lambs and bags of Beef,
Sheep and Lamb Offals.
It was evident from the commencement of discharge that all was not well, as many misshapen
carcases were landed. Between the 22nd and 27th July 1959, a quantity of mouldy and partly
decomposed carcases were sent to the Port of London Authority Dock Cold Store for further
examination by the Port Health Authority.
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