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65
Sampling of food and drink has been carried out as a routine
with a view to detecting adulterations or irregularities. Gradually
by the efforts of the food traders themselves and strengthened
legislation there has been a definite improvement in the proteciion
given to the purchaser.
Whilst the existing law has its shortcomings in regard to
matters affecting the premises on which food is prepared and
handled, its wise use over a number of years has resulted in the
establishment of a reasonable standard throughout the Borough.
New byelaws will shortly be made which will help in due course
to further improve this standard.
We can have good premises brought into disrepute and good
food made dangerous by bad handling in preparation and service.
This bad handling is invariably due to habit or a lack of knowledge
on the part of the handler of the dangers that may accrue
to those consuming mishandled food. As an experiment, it was
arranged for a number of food handlers from the Corporation's
communal feeding undertakings to attend a talk and see films all
to do with the hygienic handling of food. Following this, a
number of the larger food handling firms in the Borough were
invited to send members of their staffs to such talks and they
responded fairly well. It was evident that this was a useful way
of showing the food handler the types of mistake made, how to
prevent them and, having regard to the facilities available, the
best methods of food production and service.
In consequence, all food handling establishments in the
Borough were circularised with a view to their staffs attending
talks, augmented bv films, with regard to clean food production,
and there has been a reasonably good response.
Early in the year it was reported by the Inspectors that
galvanised containers were being used for the pickling (salting)
of meat. In consequence, samples were taken of the brine and
the pickled meat from a number of premises, and a rather high
absorption of zinc was found in both. It was considered advisable
to request that such containers be not used for such purposes.
Full co-operation was forthcoming from the trade locally and the
findings were given publicity in trade journals.
The statistical tables and the comments in the body of the
report give some indication of the amount and variety of work
which has been done in a loyal and satisfactory manner by those
under my control.
GEO. GRIEVE,
Chief Sanitary Inspector.