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26
PROTECTION OF FOOD SUPPLY.
(A)—INSPECTION OF FOOD PREMISES.
Regular inspection of all premises where food for human consumption is prepared, stored, or sold has always been carried out
as a routine measure. During the last few years, however, it has
become increasingly evident that with the existing staff of Sanitary
Inspectors engaged in this particular work, inspections could not be
carried out with sufficient frequency. This applies particularly to
catering establishments, the number of which has shown a phenomenal
increase during and since the war. There has, also, been a growing
recognition of the amount of illness caused by the consumption of
food prepared and sold under unhygienic conditions. The Health
Committee gave careful consideration to this matter and on their
recommendation the Council decided to appoint an additional Inspector
for the inspection of food premises, particularly catering establishments.
This appointment was duly made and the Inspector (Miss A. L. Jones)
commenced duty in November.
As a further contribution to the general campaign to secure
improvements in food hygiene, the Council decided to arrange a Clean
Food Exhibition. It was originally intended that this should have
been held in October, but for various reasons it had to be postponed
to January, 1951.
Restaurant Kitchens, etc.
The number of restaurants and cafes (including fixed and mobile
stalls) on the register at the end of the year was 173. 508 inspections
were made, and 23 notices served for various defects.
Reference is made in the preceding paragraph to the question
of inspection of these premises.
As stated in the Annual Report for 1949, the Council in July,
1949, adopted a Code of Standards for Catering Establishments, which
was subsequently circulated to the proprietors of 135 restaurants
where a full range of meals is served, and to 43 factory canteens,
with an invitation to apply for a Certificate of Hygiene, which could
be displayed at the premises. Only 5 such applications were made,
3 of which were granted. The other 2 applicants were invited to
make certain improvements to their premises, but failed to do so. As
these improvements were not such as could be legally required under
existing legislation, no further action was taken.
Slaughterhouses.
There is only one licensed slaughterhouse in the Borough. It
is used only occasionally, for the slaughter of calves. Thirty-five
visits were made to it during the year, and 3 calves were examined,
all of which were passed as fit for human consumption.
The use of this slaughterhouse ceased about the middle of the
year.