London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Lewisham 1970

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham Borough]

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In addition to those submitted to the public analyst for routine examination,
the following were submitted because of complaints received or as a result of
enquiries into cases of food poisoning:—
Bread (7) Shredded wheat
Steak and kidney pies (3) Oranges
Baby food Cereal
Orange juice Peppers
Ice lolly Bacon
Chicken chop suey Cornish pasty
Meat Nuts
Cheese
Food Complaints
Food complaints numbering 179 were received from members of the public during
the year.
In 13 instances legal proceedings were taken under the Food and Drugs Act,
resulting in fines totalling £355.
With a number of complaints where legal proceedings might have been appropriate,
action was not possible owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the evidence. In other
cases this was due to the unwillingness of complainants to appear in court. The
remainder were dealt with informally by contact with the firms concerned.
FOOD HYGIENE (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, 1960
The following table gives details of food premises grouped in categories of trade
carried on in them and showing the number fitted to comply with regulation 16
(provision of wash-hand basins) and with regulation 19 (facilities for washing food
and equipment) of the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations 1960.

Table 67

Type ofpremisesNumber of premisesNumber provided with wash-hand basinsNumber with facilities for washing food and equipment
Grocers and multiple grocers299299299
Greengrocers135117not applicable
Bakers858585
Butchers142142142
Confectioners323320not applicable
Catering Establishments381381381
Fish shops282828
Fried fish shops515151
Public houses166166166
Off licences8785not applicable

THE FOOD HYGIENE (MARKETS, STALLS DELIVERY VEHICLES)
REGULATIONS, 1966
These regulations, which came into force on the 1st January, 1967, are designed to
improve the hygiene on stalls selling food and in vehicles used for the delivery of
food, and some improvement has been noted. Shellfish stalls on the forecourts of
some of the public houses have been visited during the weekends and advice given
on the risks of contamination. The following details indicate the extent of this work
in the Borough:—

Table 68

Licensed stallholders selling food86
Unlicensed stalls on private forecourts or elsewhere10
Shellfish stalls on private forecourts12
Mobile grocery shops12