Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-20

peHcNt, now lHat Such GaEEeT Is Known,
that this was not discovered before. In
the mechanical Transmission of disease
germs by flies. we find the insect coming
In contact with the diseased organisms,
carrying the germs into the body of man,
either directly or indirectly. In the case of
Transmission of tuberculosis by flies, IT
is accomplished by a mechanical method
of transmission and it has also been de-
terrnined by experiments that there may
be an actual multiplication of the tu-
bercle baciili within the body of the fly
and that the living hacilli may be dis
charged in the fy's excreta. Breeding
as the fly does in filth, and feeding alike
On garbage and food for man, 1t is
readily seen how very important il is
that food should be protected from this
dangerous pest. 1t is estimated that a
pair Of flies surviving winter may be
the ancestors of S,0oo0a0 living flies during
the summer, and when il is considered
that one fly can carry upon its body
1.250, 900 bacteria, the possibility for trans
mission Of bacilli is apparent. Flies are
not only dangerous for transmitting the
tubercular germs but may carry germs
Of typhoid fever. cholera and dysen-
tary. The only good fly is dead fly. and
the best fly is the fly that never was
born.
DUST.
Another important reason for the pro-
lection Of food is on account OF the dis
ease bearing dust Of the streets-par-
ticularly in cities. BY careful examina-
tion it has been found to be made up Of
a great variety of materials. comprising
particles of decaying animal and vege-
table matter; particles Of sand; finely
powdered horse manure and-most dan
gerous Of all-the sputum from human
beings, III which are noticed the germs re-
sponsible for several infectious diseases
Including tuberculosis. 1t will be readily
seen that such dust is not only danger
Gus because il is q medium for disease
germs, but from the fact that the dust
itself will produce infammatory condi-
tons Of the delicate tissues Of the mouth
and air passages, and it is also readily
seen that food displayed without a dust
proof cover-when such food is on the
to be contaminated.
MAN HIMSELF.
Perhaps the most important reason OF
all is covered in the scope of theaState-
ment made in the law which refers tc
''unclean. unhealthful or unsanitary con-
ditons' because, as l have already stat
ed. there is great possibility of con-
tamination by man himself. II is unfor-
tunately true that il is not possible for
people to laugh, or even talk, without
giving off a spray from their mouths
and if a person is suffering from any
form of throat or lung trouble. the germs
of the disease will be communicated to
the food and to whoever receives il, and
epicemics are spread in this way.
Another point that is well TO be consid-
cred by dealers is the fact that if food
or confectionery is displayed where II is
easily accessible il becomes a source OF
contamination as their customers usually
consider II their right to sample ths
goods thus exposed, or to handle then
when contemplating q purchase.
II also seems very essential that opera
tives employed in restaurants, bake shop.
to the consumer without further treat
absolutely clearly in their habits. II i!
required that clerks dispensing dry good.
shall be neat and clean and, surely. there
is no OCCASION TO be called over critica,
when We ask that hands coming in con.
tact with our food be equally clean
Without going into details. ] simply re-
port that it has been our unpleasant dut,
to recommend the discharge Of unhealth,
employees from certain establishment.
where food was being prepared, but il
making recommendations for NOR,
thorough inspection and as a Statement
Of fact fer insisting on physical exarl1-
nation Of operatives employed in foo
factories, l beg 10 quote from reports OF
investigations made in another state:
From Kansas: BY investigation a gir,
affected with tuberculosis was found
dipping chocolates: three people whc
were consumptive were found emplove.
as cooks in restaurants: five cases OF
tuberculosis were found in one month in
bake shops. These facts are the results
OF investigation in only 10 cities of the
state. BY consulting the files of oul
State Board of Health, We find that per.
SONS affected by tuberculosis have been
reported to that office, and their occu.
patton as given on the blank furnished to
physicians indicated that they were
handling food intended for the consunp-
ton of others.
Along with the protection given by the
statute law and defined by rules and
standards outlined by the executive
feel safe in asserting that considerable
protection is afforded by inspection
work. As for the actual enforcement O.
the law, il is attempted with the idea Of
making this phase educational to as
great degree as possible and yet per-
form our police duties in behalf of pub
lie health, always recognizing the deal
ers' rights as well as the consumers.
For there is also a moral as we'll as a
legal aspect TO the question of the con-
sumers' right to the protection of food.
which seems to have been very well un-
derstood by the dealers of this state. ana
while there are still very few who have
been negligent in complying with the
requirements for protection, the most OF
them are very ready to accept the spirit
and letter Of the Law, and any rules and
regulations suggested by il recognizing
that to large extent it is an economic
question with them.
I believe that great deal of good has
already been accomplished in behalf of