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30
The Milk and Dairies Regulations, 1949, which came into
operation on the 1st October, 1949, repealed and re-enacted with
modifications and additions, the Milk and Dairies Orders, 1926 to 1943.
The principal differences are:—
(1) The registration and inspection of dairy farms is transferred
from local authorities to the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries. Local authorities, however, remain responsible
for registration and inspection of all other milk premises.
(2) The use of premises so situated as to lead to risk of contamination
of milk is prohibited.
(3) The walls of any room in which milk is handled, and which
are liable to splashing by milk, or otherwise, must be smooth
and impervious.
(4) Distributors on receiving milk which has not already been
cooled to 50° F. shall, without delay, so cool it. Exception
to this is provided if the milk is to be passed on to the consumer,
or to another distributor, in the same unopened
container, or is to be heat-treated or used for manufacturing
purposes. For a period of 5 years from the commencement
of the Regulations, a distributor may, in certain circumstances,
be authorised to cool milk to a temperature not more than
5° F. above that of the water available for cooling.
(5) The use of an approved oxidising agent is now allowed, in
lieu of scalding, for the cleansing of appliances.
(6) Bottles or cartons containing milk must not be left on a
public highway except on final delivery on retail sale, and
any place used regularly for the deposit of milk for collection
or for further conveyance shall be protected as far as possible
from the direct rays of the sun.
(7) The previous Regulations contained power to stop or restrict
supplies of milk known or suspected to be infected with
certain notifiable diseases. The new regulations extend this
power to all diseases communicable to man.
One case in which milk had been supplied to a consumer in a
dirty bottle was reported. The Health Committee decided to prosecute
in this case, but the Council's Solicitor, on consideration of the wording
of Article 26 (1) of the Milk and Dairies Regulations, 1949, expressed
the opinion that proceedings could be taken only by the local authority
for the district in which the milk bottle was actually filled. The
Ministry of Food, to whom the point was referred for guidance,
confirmed this opinion, and the matter was therefore referred to the
authority in question. It was subsequently learned that proceedings
were taken and were successful, a fine of £20 and costs being imposed.
Milk (Special Designations).
The Milk (Special Designations) Act, 1949, which came into
operation on the 1st October, 1949, makes it obligatory for all milk
sold by retail for human consumption in areas specified by the Minister
of Food to be sold under a special designation. These designations
are to be prescribed by Regulations. Sales to the public as refreshments
are exempt, but there are special provisions governing the
bulk purchase of milk by caterers. The Minister has power to
dispense with any of these requirements in special circumstances.