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A decision that the giving of pets as prizes is not within the scope of the Act may lead to an unsatisfactory state
of affairs on fairgrounds, a problem unlikely to occur in the borough.
FOOD SUPERVISION.
Byelaws for the Protection of Food.—These byelaws, made by the London County Council under section 15 of the
Food and Drugs Act, 1938, came into operation on the 3rd November, 1952. They concern the distribution of food in
all its aspects—handling, wrapping, keeping and delivery—and considerably strengthen the forces fighting for clean
food.
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1952.—Clause 27 of this Act prohibits rag and bone dealers from giving
or selling food or drink in connection with their business. Little trouble has been experienced in Paddington during
recent years in this respect but the clause undoubtedly closes another loophole in the legislation. Powers are given now
to eliminate this potential source of contaminated food.
Unsound food.—Approximately 11 (16) tons of diseased or unsound food were surrendered for destruction.
Legal proceedings were instituted for offences under the Food and Drugs Act, 1938 against the owner of a bakehouse
and a total of £12 in fines was imposed on four summonses. At a later hearing £10 in fines was imposed on five
summonses brought against the same defendant.
After consideration by the Public Health Committee warning letters were sent to the firms concerned in two cases
where a fly and a splinter of wood were found in loaves of bread.
Bacteriological examinations of milk and food.—Milk.—The number of samples submitted was 133 (170), all of which
complied with the tests prescribed in the Milk Regulations.
Ice cream.—Samples of ice cream, 39 (45) in number, examined for bacterial content as prescribed in the Ice
Cream (Heat Treatment) Regulations gave the following results :—
Grade 1 9 (14) Grade 3 7 (14)
Grade 2 20 (8) Grade 4 3 (9)
Ice "lollies —These cannot be graded because of the colouring matter in them, but 8 (8) were examined by other
methods.
Other samples.—Samples of condensed milk, cream pastries, sausages, chutney, pickles, cod roe paste, duck eggs
and mussels were submitted. In no instance were any pathogens found.
Food poisoning.—The following table gives a summary of the corrected cases of food poisoning or suspected food
poisoning notified during the year :—
Number of corrected cases 38 (69)
Outbreaks due to identified agents.—
Total outbreaks Nil (1)
Total cases Nil (3)
Outbreaks due to—
Chemical poisons Nil (—)
Salmonella organisms Nil (—)
Staphylococci Nil (1)
CI. botulinum Nil (—)
Other bacteria Nil (—)
Outbreaks of undiscovered cause—
Total outbreaks 1 (—)
Total cases 4 (—)
Single cases—
Agents identified 3 (5)
Unknown cause 31 (61)
Sampling.—Five hundred and fifty-one (600) samples were submitted to the Public Analyst. All the samples were
reported on as genuine except the samples of baking powder which were deficient in available carbon dioxide. No
action was considered necessary because these samples came from a small stock which had been in store for some time
and after the Analyst's report was received none was sold.