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The Slaughter of Pigs (Anaesthesia) Regulations. 1958 which permits the use
of a process of anaesthesia by carbon dioxide gas in connection with the slaughtering
of pigs.
The Slaughter of Aninals Acts - Electric Stunning
Circular FSH/3/58, which requested Local Authorities to ensure that those
concerned with the killing of animals at slaughterhouses did not overlook the fact
that the stunning of sheep, and especially long wooled sheep, by electricity,
unless practised with particular care might inflict unnecessary suffering on the
animals. The Circular also draws attention to certain precautions which should
always be observed.
The Slaughterhouses (Hygiene) Regulations. 1958
These regulations will not come into force until 1st January, 1959, in relation
to new slaughterhouses, and on a date to be fixed by the Minister in the case of
existing slaughterhouses.
Memo 188/Med and Circular F 58, both issued by the Ministry of Health. This
publication is a revised Memorandum detailing the steps to be taken in the
investigation of food poisoning and is dealt with on page 24.
Food Hygiene Regulations
On 1st June Regulation 7 of the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955, came into
operation in relation to the giving out of shrimps, prawns and onions for preparation
or packing in domestic premises.
The Inspection of food undertakings continued and the food prepared, manufactured,
stored or sold was subject to routine inspection and sampling. The standard of hygiene,
both in regard to the premises as well as the personnel engaged in food handling, is
steadily being improved. It is not an easy matter to change the habits of those
engaged in the food trade and it is only by education that one can hope to make any
improvement. Much of the Inspectors' time is taken up in talking to.the food handler
on the spot, where he not only explains what is required but the reason why such
requirements are made. Most proprietors and assistants are co-operative but there
remains the hard core of those whose practices and premises leave much to be desired
and have to be under constant supervision.
The transport and delivery of meat in the Borough was kept under observation.
In the majority of cases the vehicles used and method of handling was found to be
satisfactory. Where necessary the attention of the Companies concerned was drawn to
any contraventions.
In order to secure compliance with food legislation it is sometimes necessary
for the Inspectors to be on duty during the night. In this connection visits were
made on a number of occasions during which the transportation of meat from the
Metropolitan Cattle Market was kept under observation and certain cafes and other food
undertakings open after normal business hours, inspected.
During the performance of night duties the Inspectors observed that in a
considerable number of instances Regulation 30 (a) of the Milk and Dairies Regulations,
1949/54, was contravened in as much as deliveries of milk by suppliers to distributors