§ Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Health (1) whether his attention has been called to the microscopical and bacteriological examination of a 14-lb. can of Chinese frozen eggs which took place at the Devonport Pathological Laboratories, Greenwich, at the beginning of February, when the microscopical examination revealed the presence of swarms of bacteria, large and small gram-positive and gram-negative bacilli, sporing bacilli, cocci, and chain-forming cocci known as streptococci, and showed that this egg mixture was contaminated by too large a bacterial content to be regarded as a satisfactory production; and what action is contemplated to safeguard public health from imported articles of this nature intended for human food;
(2) whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the result of the bacteriological examination of Chinese eggs imported in the liquid or frozen condition into this country which was promised on 11th February last?
§ Sir W. SMILESasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the reports submitted to him of the Devon-port Pathological Laboratories on Chinese egg-mixture being contaminated with fæcal bacteria; and what action he proposes to take?
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Sir H. YOUNGI am advised that the number of bacteria found in the sample recently examined at the Devonport Laboratories, Greenwich, was not excessive in view of the fact that it was thawed some time before examination. Samples of frozen Chinese eggs have also been recently examined in the laboratory of my Department, and relatively small numbers of bacteria have been found. In both laboratories the kinds of bacteria reported were such as occur in other foods such as milk and cream, and there is nothing in either report to show that any pathogenic organisms were present. There is accordingly no information to show that these eggs are unfit for human consumption, and, as at present advised, I do not consider it necessary to take special action in the matter.