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On receipt of a Grade 3 or 4 report it is the practice in this
Borough to obtain further samples from a vendor before administrative
action is taken. It was not necessary during the year to have
recourse to "administrative action."
Significantly all the unsatisfactory samples were of the "soft"
type, and were graded as such in accordance with the Ministry's
scheme. However, in these cases, plate counts discounted any
danger to health but, in so doing, they cast doubts on the
reliability of the methylene blue test. Some factors as yet
undetermined, but apparently unrelated to the method of manufacture
or the hygiene of the product, are affecting the gradings.
With the reductase test, which in reality is a test for organismal
activity, it is quite possible for a sample to obtain a low grading of
3 or 4 and yet still be fit for human consumption—the bleaching
of methylene blue being equally effected by non-pathogenic as
well as pathogenic organisms. Conversely, it would be possible
under simular circumstances for a sample to obtain a high grading
and yet contain b. coli in sufficient quantity to warrant its classification
as unsatisfactory.
Investigations into the vagaries of "soft" ice cream are to
be undertaken to re-assess in these instances, the true value of the
methylene blue tests or perhaps to indicate other and more
reliable methods.
Quantitative Analysis.—Standards for the composition of ice
cream are contained in the Food Standards (Ice-Cream) Regulations,
1959.
In connection with quantitative analysis, five ice creams
were examined in the normal course of food sampling. All samples
proved to be satisfactory and reference to the Analyses will be
found under the heading of Food and Drugs Act, 1955.
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 foodstuffs unless bearing an
indication of the country of origin. One hundred and twenty-four
inspections were made to secure compliance with the various
Orders but on no occasion was it found necessary to take action
against Vendors.
Blackheath Fair.—At Easter. Whitsun and the August Bank
Holiday, many thousands of Londoners from this and adjacent
Boroughs once again availed themselves of the opportunity
of making a visit to this source of entertainment