In 1895, at the prompting of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington, one Dr Klein made a bacterioscopic investigation of ice creams sold from barrows. Dr Klein visited one site of manufacture, in the Italian community on and around Saffron Hill, Clerkenwell. Microscopic examination of melted ice cream samples there showed traces of human excrement, a bacillus believed to exist only in the human gut, human skin cells, snot, lice and their eggs, and human hair.

The foul premises where some of the filthiest ices were manufactured. 'Raspberry' and 'gingerette' sign is next to an open WC door (above left).

In his report, Dr Klein blamed the “beastly habits” of the vendors and the filthy conditions of manufacture. He voiced his fury that there was in law no requirement either to register or to inspect premises where food was prepared. He repeated his many previous calls for parliament to extend the London County Council’s powers to cover this.

Source: Report on the Sanitary Condition and Vital Statistics of the Parish of St Matthew, Bethnal Green, During the Year 1895 by George Paddock Bate.