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These samples satisfy the requirements of the Food &
Drugs Act as to genuineness but, as the Public Analyst observes
"these samples were most unusual and unexpected a I have examined
many queer samples over the years but never have I come across
anything like them. It would be interesting to learn who eats this
type of product and why and how. It may well be that now man
made fibres have such a standing in the textile industry that
the hard working silkworm is beginning to become redundant so
far as silk is concerned, and that a new outlet for it, in the
form of a 'succulent savoury' is about to be launched on to the
public. I regret I could not face the prospect of putting the
samples to more practical tests by eating them".
Unsound Food
Wherever possible, food which is unfit for human
consumption, is salvaged for use either for animal feeding stuff,
soap manufacturing or other industrial purposes. Other condemned
food is either destroyed at the Public Health Station or removed
to the Council's Dust Wharf for disposal with other trade refuse.
Food Hygiene Regulations. 1955
More and more emphasis is continually being placed
upon the importance of Clean Food, and during the last year
attention has been focussed upon improving the conditions under
which food is prepared and sold in the Borough.
It is regretted that the Food Hygiene Regulations,
1955 under which most of this work falls, whilst enumerating a
number of very desirable principles, have been found to be
virtually unenforceable through the Courts in many respects,
particularly with regard to the adequate protection of exposed
cooked foods and their storage under refrigerated conditions
when not for inmediate consumption. There can be little doubt
that in many instances foods, such as cooked meats, are sold in
unsatisfactory condition because of the large number of living
bacteria which they contain although to all outward appearances
they are quite satisfactory. Recent samples have been found on
bacteriological examination to give plate counts of several
millions and if the organisms had been of the kind causing food
poisoning Instead of comparatively harmless ones the consequences
could have been serious.
Generally speaking, little, if any, difficulty has
been experienced in persuading the larger food traders to
provide proper protection and storage of exposed foods. In