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108
CONTAINERS
The Imported Food Regulations 1968 allowed food to be importer1 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 220 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 33 tons of unsound food was disposed of.
CONTROL OF FOOD FACTORIES, LARGE WHOLESALE DEPOTS AND
STORES
These are visited regularly by the Senior Public Health Inspectors (Food)
to ensure the maintenance of the highest standard of hygiene and include milk
bottling plants and factories making sausages, meat pies, pastries and ice cream
and bacon processing plants.