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52
UNSOUND FOOD (continued)
It will be appreciated that an infinite variety of commodities
of small aggregate weights have been excluded from the foregoing table;
nevertheless, in not a few cases considerable work of investigation is
entailed. A typical instance concerned tinned hams which were brought
to the notice of the Public Health Department during 1951. By the end
of the summer some twelve hundred pounds of tinned ham had been
condemned as unfit for human consumption.The hams had been imported
from most of the European countries,and an interesting feature was the
varying nature of defect in different tins.Samples were submitted
to the Central Public Health Laboratories for examination, which
revealed that most of the tins examined contained bacteria, and it
seemed, in many instances, that the pickle used for curing had not
retarded the multiplication of such organisms.
The Ministries of Food and Health were acquainted with the wastage
of food which was occurring, and these authorities communicated with the
countries concerned, the trade, and individual canners.In addition to
verbal advice given to traders in this Borough, a circular letter was
addressed to all local firms concerned in the sale of tinned hams.
Attention was drawn to the position, and advice given with regard to
storage, whilst it was also indicated that the services and knowledge of
the officers of the Public Health Department were available to all
concerned. As a result of the action outlined, the quantity of this
particular foodstuff surrendered for condemnation subsequently showed a
marked decrease.
Foods which as a result of action under the Food and Drugs Act,
1938, are found to be adulterated, will be commented upon in the Public
Analyst's report commencing on page 53.
WATER
Responsibility for the supplies of water to commercial and
domestic premises is vested in the Metropolitan Water Board.Examinations
of thirty-two samples of water were made during the year, and in all
cases a satisfactory report was received. Five of the samples were
secured at private premises; the remainder were obtained from sources
of supply at the Public Baths.
As a result of investigations made by the Sanitary Inspectors,
the following provisions were made:-
Supplies to tenements 14
Taps on mains for drinking purposes 18
Burst pipes repaired 8
Cisterns cleansed, covered or repaired 10