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from 202 to 238 tons of unsound food surrendered by shopkeepers. There was little
change in the number of registered food premises. An increase in the sampling of
ice cream gave a result of Grade III in 9 cases and Grade IV for 6 samples. Steps
were taken to rectify this with those concerned. Bacteriological samples of other
food increased from 106 to 126. Three formal and 33 informal of the 745 samples
submitted to the public analyst were found to be adulterated. Most of the offences
related to labelling, which was rectified after informal action.
Offices and Shops
The number of registered premises at the end of 1969 showed a reduction in offices,
retail shops and warehouses of over 300, but there was a slight increase in the number
of catering establishments. The number of persons employed fell from 17,521 at
the end of 1968 to 15,223 at the end of 1969. The inspectors report that this was
partly due to the smaller shops where the shopkeeper was coping with his trade
without the employment of staff. The number of accidents reported was also fewer
and fortunately most were of a minor character and in no case was it necessary to
institute legal proceedings. The visits paid to offices and shops showed a considerable
increase on the previous year. Although the conditions on the whole were found
to be satisfactory, it was surprising to note that in 48 cases, compared with 14 in
1968, attention had to be drawn to the poor standard of cleanliness.
Pest and Verminous Conditions
The slight fall in the number of rat complaints in 1968 was not maintained and
1,241 premises were found to be infested, compared with 1,070 in 1968. The mice
complaints increased further, 1,137 premises being infested compared with 954.
There was a considerable rise in mice complaints in business premises.
There was a slight increase in the number of rooms disinfected or disinfested, but
there was a sharp fall in the number of articles treated. It is pleasing to note that
the number of verminous adults treated fell from 644 to 487 and the treatment of
scabies was reduced from 1,085 to 957. It is regretted, however, that it was necessary
to treat 665 verminous children, compared with 555 in 1968.
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