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115
SECTION G
Greenwich Guild of Hygiene.
It had been apparent for some time that in Greenwich, while
the standard of hygiene in restaurants, cafes and other premises
where food is handled or prepared was of a relatively high standard
despite the general severity of war damage, there was a need for
the more progressive traders to have guidance, encouragement and
official recognition in their efforts to improve premises beyond the
bare requirements of law.
Reference was made in last year's report to our efforts preceding
the formation of the Greenwich Guild of Hygiene and I am glad to
report considerable success in our enterprise.
The inaugural meeting of the Guild was held on January 10th
with his Worship the Mayor, Councillor G. Bruce, J.P. in the chair.
There was a large attendance of tradespeople and the objects of the
Guild were explained and a Management Committee representative
of all branches of the food traders was formed. This Committee
has met on frequent occasions to approve the Guild programme and
to discuss future policy.
During the past 12 months the Guild has made steady progress
in its aim to improve the conditions under which food is prepared and
handled in Greenwich. Together with the Senior Food Inspector,
I have lectured to caterers and confectioners and we have had film
shows on hygiene and everyday causes of food poisoning, all of
which were well attended.
As a result of the campaign traders are improving their premises
and methods of food handling and production. Already 80 applicants
have had their premises inspected with a view to obtaining the
Certificate of Hygiene. Out of that number 51 (including hairdressers)
have reached the desirable standard and presentation of
Certificates has been made at meetings of the Public Health
Committee. Aspirants whose premises have failed to reach the
necessary standard of hygiene and practice are given every technical
assistance and can make further application at a later date.
An increasing number of Certificates being displayed throughout
the Borough is causing other traders to aspire to full membership
and is an indication of the progressive standards of hygiene being
built up in the Borough.
After some reflection it was decided to broaden the Constitution
of the Guild to include such people as hairdressers and they have