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86
was not, in their view, in all cases contemplated by the Regulations.
Although it was anticipated that administrative difficulties might
be raised by the interpretation placed upon the Regulations by the
Ministry, it was, nevertheless, decided to enforce this requirement
of the Regulations where necessary. Subsequently the Committee
received a deputation of the local butchers at their request and
the points of objection raised by the deputation were discussed.
Most opposition appeared to be centred round the question of
the provision of a glass window in all butchers' shops, notwithstanding
that some 70 to 80 per cent. of these shops in Battersea were
already provided with glass windows, and that it is chiefly in the
cheaper class of shops that meat is found openly exposed to
contamination from dust, dirt and other impurities in the crowded
thoroughfares of the Borough.
The Council, on the recommendation of the Committee, reiterated
their decision to enforce the provisions of the Regulations in
all cases in which it was reported to them that they were not being
complied with.
At the end of the year, in the majority of cases, an improvement
was apparent in the manner in which the Regulations were being
generally complied with, and it is probable that in due course the
determination of the Council to secure the protection of meat from
contamination in shops, stalls and during transit will be followed
by strict observance of the Regulations.
Sale of Food and Drugs Acts.
The total number of samples taken under the Acts during 1925
was 973, of which 43 or 4.4 per cent. were certified by the Public
Analyst to be adulterated. In addition to the foregoing, 248
informal samples were procured, of which 7 or 2.8 per cent.
were reported by the Public Analyst as adulterated, not up to
standard, or as containing preservatives in varying amounts.