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Generally,, the less serious of the complaints were due to
negligence on the part of employees, or the result of the increase
in automation in the food industry, which, whilst reducing the
errors of human element, also reduces the personal supervision of
the food being processed.
In four cases it was decided to take legal proceedings against
the vendors. Particulars of these cases are listed elsewhere in
the report.
In every case where justifiable complaints are made the complainants
are thanked for their co-operation and notified of the
result of the action taken.
particular foods and types of food premises:
Street Market Stalls: There are four market streets at Chapel
Market, Exmouth Market, Whitecross Street and Farringdon Road. A
total of 708 stalls were licensed by the Council, of which 180
were licensed for the sale of foodstuffs. Daily inspections
combined with a rota of weekend inspection continues to maintain
a fairly satisfactory standard of hygiene.
Stallholders generally do not appear to give sufficient thought
to the Pood Hygiene (General) Regulations 1960, although it is
noticed that there has been a reduction in the number of wilful
cases of smoking whilst handling foodstuffs.
Consideration has been given to the method of refuse collection
whilst the markets are in operation, and it is hoped that by next
year an improved system will be in operation.
Inter-departmental discussions have also taken place regarding
the siting of stalls for the sale of foodstuffs, with a view to
reducing the risk of contamination of the food.
The Department continues to approve the storage facilities and
conditions of sale prior to licences being granted.
MILK:
No serious complaints have been received during the year. The
bulk of the milk supply is confined to approximately four wholesale
suppliers, and practically all the milk sold in the Borough
is in sealed bottles. There has not been any appreciable increase
in the number of milk vending machines. Samples have been taken,
all of which were reported as satisfactory.
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