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100
ments arriving at Covent Garden were examined, and the amounts of
arsenic found varied from 1/500gr. to 1/150 gr. per pound. In each case
where there was suspicion of a substantial amount of the drug being
present the sale and distribution were delayed until the results of analyses
became known. In no case was it found necessary to restrict the sale
of the apples. Samples from retail shops showed even smaller amounts.
A conference was held in December at the Ministry of Health at which
the medical officers of the City and Port of London and Westminster
were present together with representatives of the wholesale trade in
these areas. It was pointed out that there was a real danger to health
arising from the presence of a foreign and poisonous ingredient in apples
which being a product of nature should be entirely free from such contamination.
There were possibilities, even if small amounts were permitted,
of injury to health from the effects of taking very small doses
over prolonged periods. It was agreed that importers should take steps
to ensure that all apples from abroad should be entirely free from arsenic
or other foreign substance.
Meat Regulations, 1924.—These Regulations came into force on 1st April,
1925. They were made under the Public Health (Regulations as to
Food) Act, 1907, and contain provisions relating to slaughtering, slaughterhouses,
meat marking, stalls and shops, stores, transport and handling.
The definition of "meat" as laid down in the Regulations includes
bacon and ham, and the raw and untreated edible parts of the carcases
of cattle, swine, sheep and goats, but does not apply to rabbits, poultry,
fish, butter, margarine and cheese. Cooked meat, lard, sausages and
other preparations containing meat are outside the scope of the Regulations.
As many of the reasons for which the Regulations were made
apply to the conditions of sale of those articles which have been excluded,
it is not clear why they have been left out from its purview.
There are no slaughterhouses in Westminster, and so it is therefore
the articles which deal with the retail trade of butchers which are of
application to the City of Westminster. Provision is made for the stalls
to be legibly inscribed with the name and address of the stallholder.
The stalls shall be suitably covered and screened ; cleanliness of knives
and counters is required, and meat must be protected from dirt and
flies. All trimmings and rubbish must be kept separately.
With regard to shops no sanitary apparatus or drain shall be in or
directly communicate with any room where meat is sold or exposed for
sale or deposited for the purpose of sale, etc. No such room shall be
used for sleeping purposes. There are provisions against accumulations