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- 5 -
Whilst the figures concerning Food Poisoning were small, a more
satisfactory picture emerges when comparing notifications received
over the past 3 years :
1956 33
1957 13
1958 7
The Clean Air Act, 1956, is now fully in operation, and at
the end of the year the declaration of a Smoke Control Area in the
Church Ward was proposed, work in connection of which would be
commenced early in the coming Spring.
The Public Health Inspectors continued zealously to seek
improvements in premises which are subject to the requirements of
the Food Hygiene Regulations, and although much remains to be done,
there is little doubt but that conditions in the catering trade are,
with the co-operation of traders, beginning to evince signs of the
constantly applied education in this sphere.
During 1958, Mr. T. McLachlan, Analyst to the Council, carried
out the examination of four hundred samples of Food and Drugs, and in
twenty-one instances (5.2%) he reported the existence of adulteration,
labelling inaccuracies, or misdescriptions. It was only necessary to
resort to legal proceedings in one case, when the traders concerned were
fined £10. 0s. 0d., with the imposition of £8. 8s. 0d. costs.
With regard to three other cases upon which the Public Health
Committee's instructions were sought, it was decided that circumstances
did not call for the institution of legal proceedings. At the same time,
however, the traders concerned were advised that a repetition of the
offences would undoubtedly lead to more drastic action on the part of
the Council.
I am glad to have the opportunity of expressing my appreciation
of the courtesy and support shown to me by the Chairman of the Public
Health and Baths Committee and other members of the Council. The
continued and friendly co-operation of all Chief Officers is a matter of
much satisfaction, whilst I have to thank the members of my Department
for their enthusiasm in carrying out their varied duties.
I am, Madam Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health