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1906] 254
A very full report on "Foods, Preservatives, etc." was also presented by
the Medical Officer of Health to the Public Health Committee, who reported
to the Council as follows:—
We have had under consideration an exhaustive report from the Medical Officer of Health
on the subject of "Foods," copies of which we have caused to be circulated amongst the
members of the Council. It will be seen from that report that the Medical Officer of Health
makes important recommendations with regard to the use of preservatives and colouring matters
and to inspection with the object of securing better protection for the public against the
consumption of unsound, diseased, or unwholesome food, and we are in accord with these
recommendations. We therefore recommend.
(a) That the Local Government Board be asked to introduce legislation at an early
date:—
1. To secure that all meat, including canned food, shall be inspected on entry to this
country, and that the importation of "pricked " cans shall be prohibited.
2. To enable sanitary authorities to deal with the uncleanliness of vessels, machines,
instruments. appliances and furniture used in the preparation, the cooking and the sale
of food.
3. To carry out the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on
preservatives.
4. To secure the licensing of milkshops and dairies.
(b) That the London County Council be asked to seek parliamentary powers to erect
public slaughterhouses for the slaughtering of animals intended for consumption in London,
and to build stations at which all meat entering London could be officially examined.
These recommendations having been considered by the Council were
adopted.
Soon afterwards the Chicago scare passed away, but undoubtedly it has
left behind it a strong impression that American canned goods are to be
avoided, notwithstanding the fact that the United States Government let it be
known throughout the world that in future the very greatest watchfulness
would be exhibited in Chicago and elsewhere over the manufactured food
products.
Food Destroyed.—During the year the Inspector condemned 2 tons
1 cwt. 1 qr. 2 lbs. food stuffs, the particulars of which, quarter by quarter, are
set out in the following statement:—