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Food Hygiene.
Cleanliness in the handling, storage and distribution
of food has once again received the constant attention of the
Department. Water supply, washing facilities, light, ventilation
and the cleanliness and sterilisation of plant and
utensils are matters upon which the inspectors concentrate.
There can be no doubt that education of the food handlæ
plays a paramount part in securing improvements to existing
standards. When visiting food premises the Council^ officers
have given advice and encouragement to both management and
staffo In general, suggestions are received with understanding
and enthusiasm.
Byelaws for the protection of food have now been made
by the London County Council and came into force on the 3rd
November, 1952. A letter containing a summary of the provisions
of the byelaws, together with an offer of advice and
a request for co-operation, was sent to every food trader
in the Borough.
In the interests of hygiene notices have been printed
suitable for display in retail premises, requesting shoppers
not to bring dogs into places where food is stored. The
notice, offered to every shop keeper in the district, was
welcomed and displayed by a number of traders. It is to be
regretted, however, that many complained that by far the
greater nuisance arose from dogs which are allowed to roam
the streets free from the attentions of their owners.
Food sampling.
A total of 726 samples of food were procured during the
year by the Council's Food Inspector. Of these, 549 were
submitted to the Public Analyst for chemical examination,the
remaining 177 being sent to the Public Health Laboratory
Service at Camberwell for biochemical or bacteriological
report.
Samples examined by the Public Analyst included 174
46.