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53
their original condition unless the Inspector keeps them under continual serveillance. In
certain cases legal proceedings have been resorted to and a list of prosecutions under the
Pood Hygiene Regulations can be found on pages 55 and 56.
The influx of immigrants into the Borough has resulted in an increase in the Inspector's
work. Many are not conversant with the English language and the service of an interpreter
has often to be sought.
An interesting case arose when a representative from a large retail premises in the
Borough telephoned the Inspector concerning a number of complaints which he had received
concerning the flavour of cut chicken. He had not at first felt it important to bring it
to the attention of the Department but complaints continued to be received, including a
number in regard to meat, sold from this establishment, which had been kept in the refrigerator
with the cartons of cut chicken. There was certainly a strong smell in the refrigerator
and the Manufacturer's engineer was contacted. An inspection of the equipment proved negative
and the refrigerator plant found to be entirely satisfactory. The smell persisted however,
and further investigations were carried out, during which, a carton of cut chicken was
opened. The smell, similar to T.C.P. was at once noticed. Further investigation revealed
that the trouble was due to the introduction of 6-ortho-chloro-cresol in the glue of the carton
adhesive. It was necessary for all the meat and cut chicken which had been kept in this
particular refrigerator to be disposed of for purposes other than human or animal consumption,
the total value being quite considerable.
Imported horse meat from the Argentine was the cause of some concern during the year
and in conjunction with the Port Health Authority samples were taken. A procedure has been
agreed between that Authority and the Borough Public Health Department so that after examination
and sampling at the Port, the meat is either released as fit for human consumption or
alternatively for sterilisation during manufacture into animal food. In conjunction with
the Central Health Laboratory, Colindale, a detailed inspection of the premises concerned
in the Borough and the technique adopted by the Company was carried out. Samples were taken
at respective stages in the manufacture of animal food to ascertain whether the sterilisation
process was satisfactory. Advice was given to ensure that no subsequent contamination
was allowed to occur. Improvements in the technique were adopted by the Management who were
most co-operative.