London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Woolwich 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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Table No. 11.
Carcases Inspected and Condemned, 1949.
| Cattle, excluding Cows. | Cows. | Calves. | Sheep and Lambs. | Pigs. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number killed | 10,164 | 3,933 | 2,563 | 27,352 | 1,971 |
| Number Inspected | 10,164 | 3,933 | 2,563 | 27,352 | 1,971 |
| Whole carcases condemned | 15 | 2 | — | 9 | 2 |
| Carcases of which some part of organ was condemned | 2,579 | 1,186 | 5 | 1,075 | 59 |
| Percentage of number inspected affected with disease other than Tuberculosis | 25.4 | 30.4 | .2 | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Tuberculosis only :— | |||||
| Whole carcases condemned | 59 | 125 | 6 | — | 9 |
| Carcases of which some part or organ was condemned | 1,391 | 1,544 | 1 | - | 107 |
| Percentage of the number inspected affected with Tuberculosis. | 14.2 | 42.8 | .28 | — | 5.8 |
It will be seen from the above table that of the 10,164 cattle (excluding cows)
inspected during the year, 14.2 per cent, (tuberculosis) and 25.4 per cent, (other
diseases) were found to be diseased. However, only 74 whole carcases or 1.3 per
cent, of the total number of cattle (other than cows) inspected had to be condemned.
In the month of September, the Minister of Food asked local authorities to
ensure that while the shortage of meat continues, no meat which is fit for human
consumption should be unnecessarily condemned. This has been the practice in
Woolwich. Liaison between the Council's inspectors and officers of the Ministry
of Food works satisfactorily.
Meat Manufacturing Premises. A working party to review the present meat
trade practice, legislation governing the meat manufacturing trades and control
over the disposal of unfit meat, has been appointed by the Minister of Food. Ministry
of Food inspectors co,operate with local authorities in any cases of suspected contraventions
of the Food and Drugs Act.
Whalemeat. Regulations were made during 1949 prohibiting the importation
into England and Wales of whalemeat and whalemeat products for sale for human
consumption, unless accompanied by a veterinary certificate certifying that the
whalemeat had been inspected and was produced under conditions satisfactory to
the Ministry of Food.
Provision is also made for securing whalemeat against contamination in shops
and on stalls and during transport. The Borough Council is responsible for the
enforcement of the Regulations dealing with shops and stalls.
Diseases of Animals Act. During August, an outbreak of foot and mouth
disease occurred in the Sidcup area. A " standstill " order was placed on the movement
of cattle in an area which included the whole of the Metropolitan district.
As a result a large number of pigs (over 1,000 in all) was sent for slaughter to the
Plumstead Abattoir by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
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