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119
Samples alleged to be unfit for food.—A box of dates was found to be
so infested with maggots as to be unfit for food, but a sample of chocolates
which was submitted with a similar complaint was found to be free from
maggots.
A tin of prawns, received following a complaint that another tin from
the same consignment had caused sickness, was found to contain nothing
injurious and to be perfectly sound.
A whisky which was suspected to be tainted in some way because it
had a peculiar taste was found to contain nothing deleterious to health,
and a meat pie which was said by the purchaser to have an objectionable
taste was found to be normal in all respects and to show no justification
for the complaint.
A sample of butter submitted to the Public Health Department by
a private person who suspected that it was poisoned was found on analysis
to be quite satisfactory.
Regulation of Street Trading.
The London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1927, provides
for the regulation of street trading by the issue of licences which must
be renewed annually. Special observation is kept by the food inspectors
on all stalls where food is exposed for sale and also the premises where
it is stored.
The number of stallholders licensed by the Council is about 300,
and some 200 of these handle foodstuffs. The number is continually
changing. As a result of constant supervision only minor infringements
were observed. These were promptly rectified when pointed out by
the inspectors.
Meat Regulations, 1924.
There are no slaughterhouses in the City and the duties imposed are
confined to the supervision of meat shops, stalls and stores. A register
is kept of all meat vendors and the number registered at the end of 1937
was 156. The inspectors paid 161 visits to these pr???, including
stalls. Two notices were served in respect of minor defects which were
duly rectified.
Restaurants.—The register of restaurants includes 1,447 premises.
During the year 1,601 visits were paid. Kitchens, pantries, messroom
arrangements for staff, systems for washing up, and general sanitary