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55
The importation of frozen mutton and lamb (in carcases) into the United
Kingdom began approximately about the year 1880, when 400 carcasses were
imported into London.
whilst in 1908, 6,482,902 carcasses were imported into London.
In Table XXIX. will be found a detailed list of the various articles of food
which have been destroyed during the year as being unfit for food.
From this it will be seen that the quantity of foodstuffs thus destroyed
approximated a weight of nearly 1,000 tons, and comprised fresh or frozen
meat 1,627 carcasses, &c, ; 26 cases and 1,253 tins of tinned meats ; 21,616
jars and 1,964 tins of preserved fish ; 3,549 packages and 11,140 tins of
fresh fruits, preserved fruits, and vegetables ; 609 packages of provisions ;
while 4,274 bags of grain, meal and flour, and 2,461 packages of sundry
articles were similarly disposed of. In Table XXIXa will be found the weights
of the unsound meat destroyed during the four years ending 31st December
last, the total quantity for the four years considerably exceeding 1,000 tons,
the average annual weight of meat destroyed in those years being 308.5 tons.
The Inspectors continue to examine the meat provided for the use of crews
•on small sailing craft.
On 12th November, Inspector Romeril visited the schooner " Zephyr," of
Plymouth, Official Number 51,253, and found some meat stored in an old
herring barrel, which was quite putrid and unfit for human food.
On the 16th November, the ketch " Irene," of Bridgewater, Official
Number 111,394, was visited, and the Inspector found 6 lbs. of bacon hanging
up in a paint locker close to some open tins containing paint, and in an
earthenware vessel about 8 lbs. of beef which was partly covered with mildew
and in a decomposing condition.
The schooner " Zebrina," of Faversham, Official Number 60,245, was
visited on the 19th November, and 20 lbs. of salt beef found to be stored in a
cask. The beef was decomposing.
In each case the meat was destroyed by burning.
In 1881, 17,275
1882, 66,095
In 1890, 1,865,790
1900, 4,335,258