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95
CONTAINERS
The imported Food Regulations 1968 allowed food to be imported into the
country without inspection at the port of entry. This food must be packed in
sealed containers and inspection of the food is made at the final inland destination
by the local Public Health Inspector.
A number of such containers are consigned to food premises in Lambeth
and the Senior Public Health Inspectors (Food) have to make decisions regarding
large quantities of imported food of considerable value and during the year
examined such products as bacon, cheese, egg whites, lemon juice, tomato puree,
and pig rind.
Physical, chemical or bacteriological examination of the food is made
before it is released for distribution, any unsatisfactory consignments being
destroyed or processed.
INVESTIGATION OF UNSOUND FOOD
The public continue to bring to the notice of the Public Health Inspectorate
food which they consider to be unsound after purchase.
During the year 213 complaints were investigated.
Advice is given to shop keepers on the rotation of stock of prepacked food
as one of the common forms of complaint is of stale food.
CONDEMNATION OF UNSOUND FOOD
Unsound food found, as a result of inspection or complaint but mainly by
voluntary surrender, is disposed of through the refuse disposal services of the
Greater London Council or where possible by release to firms specialising in
processing such commodities for use other than for human consumption.
Over 30 tons of food were condemned, including 7 tons of cooked meat
and meat products and 11½ tons of frozen food made unfit by the breakdown
of refrigerated cabinets.