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64
Table No. 33 (page 50) shows, for the past two years, the number of
inspections of premises where food was prepared for or exposed for sale.
Unsound Food.—On two occasions during the year unsound food
was surrendered and destroyed. Included in the food surrendered
was :—Mushrooms, 13 lbs. ; Rabbits, 3. No carcases were destroyed
on account of tuberculosis.
Food Poisoning.—No case of food poisoning occurred during the
year.
Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928.—Four hundred
samples, including 82 samples of milk and 10 samples of cream, were
taken and submitted for analysis during the year. These samples were
investigated by the Public Analyst to the Borough, Mr. B. H. Gerrans.
F.I.C., whose Report is set out in the appendix.
Each of the four male Sanitary Inspectors is appointed an Inspector
under the Acts. Under their direction, the taking of samples is effected
by individuals temporarily employed for the purpose, the services of
persons outside the Borough being frequently utilised.
The samples procured are of two kinds—formal and informal. Formal
samples are those taken strictly in conformity with the Act. Informal
samples are those taken without these strict formalities and afford useful
indication of the conditions without disclosing to the vendor that the
object of purchase is analysis.
No legal proceedings are possible in respect of an informal sample,
but, when adulteration is discovered, formal samples are obtained
immediately and necessary action is taken on receipt of the analytical
report regarding them.
During the year no sample of milk was found to be adulterated to
such a degree as to justify legal proceedings. Certain other food samples
were found to be inferior, but not to such an extent as to justify legal
action. In each of these cases a warning letter was sent to the Vendor
concerned.
The work carried out under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act,
during the year is summarized in the Public Analyst's Report in the
appendix.
The Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food) Regulations.—
All samples of milk and cream taken during the year were submitted
to examination for preservatives. No evidence of the presence of
preservatives was obtained sufficient to warrant legal proceedings.
Margarine.—No application for transfer of registration was received
during the year from wholesale dealers in margarine.
CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
OF FOOD.
Analysis of Food and Drugs.—The Public Analyst is Mr. B. H.
Gerrans, F.I.C., and the investigations in connection with food and
drugs sold in the Borough are carried out in his laboratories. The
detailed results of analyses made during the year will be found appended
to this report.