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67
manufacturing ceased immediately. It is felt that if the registrati en of food undertakings
were obligatory, this case may not even have commenced
The number of Fish and Chip shops in the Borough is increasing. Those constructed
during the year are of a high standard both in regard to premises and hygiene.
Included in the cases brought to the notice of the department and investigated by
the Inspectors are the following -
A complaint was received alleging a strong disinfectant flavour in some lamb chops
purchased in the Borough It was found tnat these were part of a consignment which had
been stored in the hold of a ship previously used to carry chemicals. The taint from
these chemicals had affected the whole consignment of meat which had been widely
distributed before it could be withdrawn
Another case arose due to a Canteen Manager reporting cases of illness occurring
amongst persons who had eaten a meal in the Canteen the previous day. Everything pointed
to minced beef, a sample of which was sent to the Public Analyst who, upon examination,
reported a high concentration of nicotinic acid The symptoms of the sufferers appeared
to be consistent with an overdose of nicotinic acid It was then found th3t a red meat"
dusting powder containing nicotinic and ascorbic acids had been used on the meat in
Question, This case is one of many which occurred at the same time and gave rise to
questions being asked in Parliament
A third case resulted in the condemnation of many tons of foodstuff due to an
attempt to import from the Continent peeled potatoes which by the addition of an antifrost
preparation and a preservative, it was hoped would remain in a good condition for
possibly three weeks. This proved not to be the case and many tons of potatoes were
condemned due to the appearance of slime, yeast and mould
In one of the supermarkets in the Borough slabs of what appeared to he chocolate
in cellophane were displayed for sale Upon analysis the sample contained 31 per cent
of fat of which not less than 50 per cent, ns palm kernel or coconut oil It was
considered that it was not what is normally known as "chocolate" the fat in which
should consist exclusively of cacao-butter, together with butter-fat in the case of
milk chocolate. As no label or wording appeared on the wrapper, it was considered that
the public may be mislead. The Company concerned co-operated and withdrew the sale of
this particular pack
Food and Drugs Act 1S55
Nurrber of food "revises in the area ?nd ty>8 of business
Bakehouses - level 24
- basement 8
Bakers' retail shops 49
Butchers 163
Continental
Cafes and Restaurants' 306
Canteens and Clubs 144
Chemists 50
Coffee stalls 1
Continental Food Shops 58
Fish shops 33
" curers 23
" depot 1
friers 52