View report page

242
About 20 per cent, of all bovine livers examined were found
to be affected with distomatosis (liver fluke). Multiple abscesses
are still prevalent in cattle, particularly in 'barley fed'. This condition appears to need investigating as the intensively reared animal
is only young when slaughtered.
The pig offal condemned is mainly pig lungs which present
varying degrees of damage due to pneumonia. Damage to pig
livers caused by the larva of the ascaris worm renders the livers
so affected quite unsuitable for human food and, consequently,
have to be rejected. Most of the liver rejected as unsuitable for
human consumption because of parasitic infestation is salvaged
and utilised in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.
The slaughterhouse continues to be used as the main training
centre in meat inspection for student public health inspectors in
training with various London borough councils, and those attending
the South East London Technical College. It is estimated that
about 600 student public health inspectors have received their basic
training in meat inspection at this establishment over the last 20
years.
Public Health (Imported Food) Regulations, 1937 and
1948.—The London Borough of Greenwich with a river frontage
of some 9 miles with more than 40 wharves and two of London's
largest and most modern cold stores receives a considerable
percentage of London's imported meat stored on behalf of various
importers. In addition, considerable quantities of fresh fruit, tinned
foods and miscellaneous provisions are dealt with. Visits to
wharves and cold stores are made by the Food Inspectors and
imported food generally is carefully supervised.
Imported Food Rejected.—Unsound or diseased imported
meat when surrendered is passed for non-edible and refining
purposes, and other unsound food, with the exception of fruit pulp
and juice, processed for stock feeding.