Alpha Type Streptococci in Food Poisoning

Abstract

In this study we are reporting one large institutional outbreak of food poisoning in which streptococci were present in enormous numbers in the incriminated meat. Filtrates and living cultures were fed to human volunteers. Another green streptococcus isolated from cocoanut custard pie implicated in another outbreak was similarly fed. This outbreak of food poisoning occurred in April, 1937, in a group of about 250 men between 17 and 25 years of ago. The noon meal was found on epidemiological evidence to have been responsible. Samples of all remaining foods were sent to this laboratory 2 days later. Both epidemiological and laboratory evidence showed that beef croquettes were definitely implicated. These croquettes were prepared from the meats remaining from the preceding night meals, consisting of beef stew, round of beef and Swedish meat balls. On each occasion the meat left from the night meal was assembled in a huge container and left covered at room temperature until the following morning when it was placed in the icebox until time to prepare the croquettes. The meat was then chopped together mechanically, and gravy from the second day previous and bread crumbs were added. The croquettes were fried in deep fat at about 110 C. for 10 minutes while the meal was being served. They apparently tasted normal, for several individuals had a second helping. Conditions in the kitchen were sanitary and no rat or vermin poison had recently been used. The kitchen employees are given health examinations routinely. The cook had a head cold on the day that the croquettes were served.