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Inspection of the above food businesses has been carried out formally
and informally at frequent periods. The total number of visits made during
1964 was 4701 to premises and 2038 to stalls. The inspection of street
traders storage premises involved 34 visits during the year.
FOOD HYGIENE
The standard obtained through constant supervision and personal
contact reported last year has been maintained but it must be emphasised
that in many cases it is only by constant visiting that serious contraventions
of the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations, 1960 have been avoided.
Experience has shown that, due to the human element, the tendency to do
things contrary to the spirit of the Regulations is ever present and in order
to prevent these tendencies from becoming habits numerous informal visits
are sometimes necessary.
Employers and employees have, generally speaking, shown a willingness
in ensuring that the main provisions of the regulations are complied
with. The regulation regarding smoking is still the cause of discussion, due
to the fact that no prohibition is imposed on customers using the premises
and stalls to which this restriction applies.
The administration of the 'no smoking' rule is made very difficult in
street markets by reason of the fact that masses of people congregate in
these areas during the busy hours, many of whom are observed to be not too
careful with regard to the disposal of cigarette ash.
In spite of this, it is gratifying to be able to report that a considerable
improvement in this matter has been achieved by personal contacts with food
handlers and not through the medium of the Courts.
STREET TRADING:
During the year a more intensive supervision has been made in this
branch of food supervision in the Borough.
In two of the street markets. Traders Associations are established and
this undoubtedly leads to a greater exchange of views. This, it is felt, must
eventually be to the benefit of the consumer regarding the provision of
cleaner food.
The question of the personal hygiene of street traders dealing in
foodstuffs continues to be a matter of concern, and undoubtedly this question
will have to be given serious thought in the future, and the provision of
suitably placed personal washing points in street markets should be given
a high priority in any future planning of the street markets in the Borough.
One other aspect which reacts adversely to any attempt at improving
hygienic conditions in the street markets is the question of accumulations of
trade waste during service hours.
It is felt that a more satisfactory approach could be made to the
traders if a system of centralised trade refuse collection points were
introduced.
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