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189
Food Preserving Factories.
Army Rations.—During the year, as far as practicable, a dailyvisitation
has been made to the factories in Millwall where Army rations
are manufactured in large quantities as follows :—
Meat and Vegetable Rations in tins.
Roast Fowl ,,
Rabbit ,,
Sausages „
Jams and Marmalade ,,
The meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables used have been inspected
daily, in the meat stores, cutting, filling and weighing rooms and kitchens,
and were sound and of good quality. Samples of finished rations were
taken from time to time—the tins opened and contents examined with no
cause for complaint. The weights and proportions were observed and
frequently tested and found satisfactory, and in accordance with specification.
The benches, utensils and floors were washed down daily, and
the walls of meat stores and meat cutting room re-limewashed when
and where necessary.
Inspection of Food—Shops and Stalls.
The shops and stalls in the main thoroughfares were regularly
visited. Surprise visits were made frequently on Saturday nights and
occasionally on Sunday mornings. Although several small articles were
destroyed as suspicious or tainted, in no instance was I justified in seizing
any food stuff exposed for sale during these visits.
Sale of Food and Drugs Act.
74 samples of food and drugs were purchased and submitted to the
public analyst for analysis. Of 26 milk samples taken, 12 were purchased
from itinerant vendors, 8 of which were obtained on Sunday
mornings, and 2 were taken in course of delivery—one milk sample was
certified to be deficient in fat to the extent of 15.6 per cent. In this
case the vendor proved a written warranty. Of 11 butters taken, 6
contained a boric acid preservative not exceeding 0.3 per cent. Of 4
margarines taken, 3 contained boric acid preservative not exceeding
0.2 per cent.
The remaining samples were genuine and free from preservative.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
CEPHAS FOAD,
Sanitary Inspector, and Inspector under
the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts,
and Inspector of Canal Boats, Poplar
South Division.