View report page

27
Unauthorised Street Traders
The year has again seen considerable activity by public health inspectors in enforcing the Food
Hygiene (Markets, Stalls & Delivery Vehicles) Regulations 1966 in relation to unauthorised street
traders.
The total fines set out in Table 25, page 75 are an indication of the high number of cases in which
legal proceedings were instituted.
It has been gratifying to note that the Courts have seen fit to impose suspended prison sentences
and, where further contraventions by the trader have occurred, such sentences have in some cases
been implemented. This must indeed be a deterrent. There is mild optimism that the standard of
hygiene on many stalls has improved, even though the supply of constant hot water and provision
of a suitable wash hand basin are still problems applicable to most of the stalls.
There still remains, of course, the anomalous situation that even though standards of hygiene
may improve, these traders are trading without authority.
The Medical Officer of Health would again place on record the warmest thanks of the department
to the Police for their willing and efficient co-operation.
Food Hygiene etc., Lectures
Despite the resignation during the year of a Senior Public Health Inspector who undertook
considerable lecture commitments, lectures to management and staff of various catering organisations,
as well as to student nurses and public health inspectors preparing for examinations, have
continued.
Instruction of staff by inspectors during the course of routine inspections of premises is, of course,
an invaluable means of communicating essential knowledge to those engaged in the handling of
food. Much of this is nullified by those engaged in the catering trade who do not speak or understand
English and, in consequence, cannot appreciate the significance of the inspector's remarks. It is a
factor of life that the best method of learning is by example and if management and senior staff are
prepared as they should be to educate their staff and see that their instructions are followed, this
would render invaluable service in the promotion of satisfactory hygienic conditions.
Food Sampling and Analysis
During the year a total of 1,626 (1,730) samples of foodstuff were submitted to the Council's
Public Analyst by routine or on complaint. Of this number 148 (9.1%) (193—11.1 ) were reported
upon adversely.
The following includes a selection of these reports together with other matters concerning samples
of foodstuff brought to the department on complaint.
Chocolates eaten in the dark of thetheatre, the remainder which wereretainedforconsumption later,
were found to have marks on the confectionery which resembled rodent teeth marks. On examination
it was found that the marks were made by the packing material. This complaint is not uncommon,
particularly if chocolates are stored in unsuitable temperatures.
A bag of pre-fluffed rice was found to contain a cigarette end. The packers were very concerned,
and took severe disciplinary action against several members of their staff, and introduced effective
measures to avoid a recurrence.
Consumption of the major part of a bottle marked "Ginger Ale" caused lethargy, vomiting and
diarrhoea to the consumer. Examination of the portion remaining disclosed it to be whisky. It appeared
likely that the complainant was the victim of a practical joke.
Mould growth on a chocolate eclair was caused by the retention of the confection beyond the
normal "shelf life". A caution was given.
A loaf containing a metal bolt was the result of a mishap at a bakery (not in Westminster).
Apparently a thorough search had been made of the manufacturing processes at the time, and
several doughs had been discarded. The complainant did not wish to participate further in the case.
A joint of meat purchased from a local butcher was found to contain part of a knife. It appeared
the blade had broken when in use by a junior employee, and he failed to report the incident to his
superior.