View report page

62
were being left on the public highway. The attention of both wholesalers and
retailers was drawn to this practice. In many cases co-operation was forthcoming
but real difficulty was experienced in some instances as there was no room readily
available where the milk could be deposited within the premises. An informal
discussion was held with trade representatives and other interested parties, including
representatives from the Finsbury Public Health Department, who were also carrying
out observations in that Borough. The co-operation and assistance given by the Trade
Associations are much appreciated. By the end of the year considerable improvement
had been effected but the matter is still being kept under observation.
Associated with the delivery of milk is the question of noise, which was the
subject of complaint from a resident in the neighbourhood of premises where milk is
delivered during the night and early morning. Such complaints are usually solved
informally and no statutory action has been necessary during the year.
The delivery and display of fish for retail sale was also the subject of
investigation. Particular attention was paid to possible contamination of fish or
other food during delivery of fish by the supplier, storage of fish pending sale
and from the sale of the fish itself. Details of one prosecution taken appear on
page 67.
Following an unsatisfactory report from the Public Analyst upon a sample of tea
taken informally, a formal sample was taken, in which was found an excess amount of
lead, together with a metal paper clip and a number of fragments of metallic foil.
Details of the prosecution appear on page 67.
Over a number of seasons adverse reports have been received concerning samples
of ice cream and ice lollies manufactured at an address in the Borough. Upon unsatisfactory
samples being taken again this year the Company agreed to engage a
consultant from Messrs. Deosan Ltd., in an advisory capacity, in order to ensure
that their products are satisfactory in future.
The importation of meat, viz. sheep livers, unfit for human consumption, was
the cause of some concern during the year, particularly when it was found, upon
investigation, to be displayed in butchers' shops for sale labelled " animal
feeding Action was taken to ensure that the meat was segregated at all stages
from the meat for human consumption. The present position is, however, most unsatisfactory
and the sale of such meat for animal feeding is undesirable.
In the case of one cafe prosecutions were successfully taken against the owner,
including one for allowing a food room to be used as a sleeping place. A fine of
£6 upon each of six summonses was imposed, together with 2 guineas costs on the
first summons only.
In another case two Inspectors were authorised to make a night visit to a
cafe after complaints had been received that persons were allowed to sleep in the
passages and kitchen of the cafe. The complaint was not confirmed but as the result
of the visit the general conditions improved and no statutory action was necessary.
On three occasions the Public Health Inspector, in the course of his duties,
seized unfit food and obtained an Order from a Justice of the Peace for its
destruction. Prosecutions were successfully taken in two out of three cases and a
warning letter was sent in respect of the third case.