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Unauthorised Street Traders
Enforcement action under the Food Hygiene (Markets, Stalls & Delivery Vehicles) Regulations 1966
against unauthorised street traders is a time-consuming operation if the necessary evidence to mount a
successful prosecution is to be obtained. The inspectorate of the Food Control Section have been unable
during the past year to devote the time to these enforcement duties which is needed and this has resulted
in a deterioration in the already questionable standards of hygiene practised by most unauthorised stall
holders.
Requests from the Police for the inspection to be undertaken of stalls detained at Police Stations and
where hygiene offences have been thought to exist have on occasions had to be resisted due to the pressure
of other duties on the inspector's time and the shortage of staff. There is no reason for optimism in
suggesting that the position will improve in the immediate future.
During the year six stall holders were successfully prosecuted for offences under the Regulations. Two
of these resulted from Police observations. In a further three cases summonses could not be served and in
another case the defendant did not appear in the Court in answer to the summons. Fines totalling £137
were imposed in the cases heard. One further trader was granted an absolute discharge in respect of hygiene
offences.
Food Hygiene Etc. Lectures
Where possible requests to the inspectorate for assistance in giving lectures on food hygiene and food
control matters to managements of catering organisations, those engaged in food handling duties, student
nurses and others undertaking courses associated with food hygiene, have been fulfilled.
It is a matter for regret that more time cannot be given to this project for experience has shown that
there is a great potential for educational enlightenment in this particular field. The greatest stumbling block
to progress is the problem of language. Many who should attend are excluded on account of their inability
to understand the subject of the lecture. As many of these are concerned with the very basic elements of
hygiene — cleansing of utensils, apparatus and structures — their exclusion is a serious matter. If managements
could be relied on to convey to these employees the principles preached by the inspectors much
good would result. Regrettably, however, managements often display a reluctance to exert their authority
where matters of adequate maintenance and hygienic conditions are concerned. This in turn is reflected in
the indifference and casualness too often met amongst staff engaged in this work.
Food Sampling and Analysis
Consumer complaints investigated by the Food Control Section of the Health Department during the
past year have increased by 20%, while at the same time, due to internal movement, resignations and
sickness, the section throughout the year has been considerably under-strength.
Wide publicity lately given through the mass media has resulted in more and more people being conscious
of their right to expect that food sold to them shall be in a sound condition and in all respects fit for human
consumption. Unfortunately this is not always the case — careless storage, retention of goods for too long
a period, contamination by rodents, unhygienic conditions, improper temperature control — these all result
in complaints being received in the Food Control Section. Many could be avoided with the normal
application of commonsense and a regard to elementary principles of hygiene — it does not need much
ability to realise that if you exhibit foods at an ambient temperature in a shop during the day, return it to
the refrigerator during the night, and again the following day display it for sale, the growth of mould is
hastened. If perishable foods are received on a regular delivery basis, sale in strict order of receipt, coupled
with an expiry date on the wrapper would obviate most of the complaints of stale goods. Mouse contaminated
food is in most cases due to apathy on the part of the retailer. The evidence of rodent infestation is
not difficult to see, but is is often ignored by management and employees alike.
During the year a total of 1,347 (1,269) samples of foodstuffs obtained during routine inspection or as
a result of complaint were submitted to the Council's Public Analyst. Of this number 166 (12.3%) (178
13.2%) were reported upon adversely and appropriate action was taken.