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55
such a repulsive picture at the seat of the lesion that a most unpleasant
psychological reaction would result from a dinner-table
encounter.
Nevertheless, in view of the world meat shortage, and the
meagreness of our own supplies, the Ministry of Food, in co-operation
with the Councils concerned, resolved to permit the consumption
of this meat provided that a 100% examination and the necessary
condemnations could be assured.
To this end a large examination shed was fitted out and your
Food Inspectors trained some twenty meat trade employees to incise
the carcases and detect the caseous lesions characteristic of
this disease. An additional temporary inspector was also provided
by the Ministry.
All infected carcases, and indeed those presenting any abnormality,
were set aside for expert examination by your inspectors.
The lesions and a wide area of surrounding tissue were cut away
i n accordance with an agreed method of inspection, based upon
approved criteria.
As indicated in the following table, a work of considerable
national value was accomplished and a useful contribution was
made to the country's meat supplies:—
Examined 72,244 carcases mutton and lamb
Trimmed 3,937 „ ,, „ „
Rejected 3 whole carcases
Per cent, affected 5.454%
Weight of meat rejected 2,929 lbs.
Passed as fit for food 72,241 carcases (including those trimmed)
Merchandise Marks Act, 1926.—Under the powers conferred
by this Act, Orders in Council have been made prohibiting
the sale or exposure for sale, of imported food stuffs unless such
bear an indication of the country of origin. To secure compliance
with the various Orders, 85 inspections were made but on no occasion
was it found necessary to take action against vendors.
Blackheath Fair.—As usual, thousands of people took the
opportunity of visiting Blackheath Fair on the various Bank Holidays
during the year and constant supervision of food stalls was
necessary in order to ensure that a safe standard of cleanliness was
maintained among the numerous vendors of light refreshments,
including shellfish, stewed eels, ice cream, minerals, etc. To this
end a Food Inspector was always in attendance. (A clean water
supply and adequate sanitary accommodation was provided by the
London County Council Parks Department).