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48
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF THE FOOD SUPPLY.
This naturally falls under three headings:—
I. Supervision of premises where food is stored, prepared, or from
which it is sold or distributed.
II. Examination of food as to its soundness.
III. Sampling of food to determine its composition or sophistication.
These duties are distributed amongst the members of the Inspectorial
Staff and, although the Food Inspector is primarily responsible
for the purity of the food, this duty, particularly in respect of milk and
the soundness of food, is shared, but to a less degree, by all the
Inspectors.
Apart from considerations of purity and soundness, the possibility of
contamination as affecting the wholesomeness of food demands consideration.
The existing powers of control are mainly directed towards
the cleanliness of premises and power to guard against contamination
by persons handling food during its preparation, distribution and sale
is either lacking or inadequate. The need for legislation to effect this
end has been felt for a considerable time, and it is of interest to
note that the London County Council has drafted a Bill to enable the
Council to make by-laws for the general protection of food sold,
exposed for sale, or prepared or deposited for sale or for preparation
for sale.