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126
(Slaughterhouses Division) and the matter was taken up with the
appropriate authorities in the Bechuanaland Protectorate.
During August, 3 further consignments totalling 9,036 cartons,
by rail from Southampton, were received into the Cold Store, all
of which were sampled. Two consignments were found to be satisfactory
and were released but, of the 50 samples taken from the
third consignment, 5 proved to be contaminated with Salmonellae.
This necessitated further sampling and, of another 25 samples
drawn, 2 proved to be positive. In an analysis of the results it
was revealed that only 5 cuts were suspect for contamination and
that these involved only three packing dates.
It was agreed that cartons relating to the positive cuts should
be sorted in order that those packed on the 3 relevant days should
be detained whilst those giving negative results should be released.
In all, 3,618 cartons were released and 936 detained for use only
in processes requiring sterilisation temperatures.
Our representations regarding these imports would appear to
have had a beneficial effect for subsequent sampling has shown
a considerable improvement in the bacteriological quality of the
meat.
Frozen Cooked Meat.—The first landings of Australian Frozen
Cooked Meat were received into a Cold Store in the Borough in
September of this year. It was stated by the importers that this
commodity was destined for a high temperature canning process
and the 20 samples taken from the consignment of 920 cartons
all gave satisfactory results.
Swedish Pig Carcases.—During 1960 the importation of
Swedish Chilled and Frozen Pig Carcases through the docks and
wharves of Riparian Authorties caused grave concern due to the
high percentage found to be diseased.
The situation was considered so serious that a meeting convened
by the Medical Officer of Health of the Port and City of
London at which a Vetinerary Officer of the Riparian Authorities
was present, it was decided at that time to place all Swedish Whole
Pig Carcases under detention pending examination.
Since representations were made to the Swedish Authorities
there has been a marked improvement in the standard. Examination
during the current year of 262 pigs from a total of 3,525
landed resulted in the condemnation of only 13 pigs' heads.