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In two instances tinned food was seized in a state unfit for human
food; and in each case the owner alleged that it had been set aside and
was not to be sold. The evidence either way was not strong, and no
proceedings followed. It was suggested that where a seller of such
goods had a restaurant in connection with his business, he might (if
unscrupulous) get rid of such unsound food in that way. In order that
dealers in foodstuffs might not be ignorant of the law on the matter, a
circular letter was sent out to them with an extract from the Act. The
letter was as follows:—
"The attention of all dealers in foodstuffs is hereby urgently called
to the provisions of Section 47 of the Public Health (London) Act,
1891, a copy of which is hereto annexed.
"Express attention is called to the provisions of Sub-section 8, and
dealers are informed that a written notice addressed to the Medical
Officer of Health at the City Hall, Charing Cross Road, will ensure the
prompt removal as trade refuse of any unsound food to which such
notice relates.
"Having regard to these facilities, there can be no excuse for the
retention, upon shop premises, of any unsound food whatever, and
dealers are informed that, should proceedings at any future time be
taken in consequence of the seizure of any unsound food within the
City of Westminster, against any person npon whom this notice has