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35
Metal Drink Pourers
Arising from an investigation into illness suffered by two children following the consumption of diluted
orange juice at licensed premises, it was found that the acidic action of the fruit drink on the inside of the
chrome plated copper delivery tubes of the metal pourers in the neck of the bottles had resulted in an
accumulation of copper salts. The patients were sick five minutes after drinking the juice.
Specimens of drink were examined by the Public Analyst and high concentrations of copper were found.
The danger of this occurring at other premises where the same type of metal pourer might be in use was
immediately apparent and accordingly a News Bulletin was issued by the Council's Press Officer.
Subsequent publicity in the national press, on the radio and from a feature in a popular Saturday evening
television programme resulted in enquiries being received in the department from many sources, including
catering companies, brewery organisations and other local authorities, for further information and advice.
Premises in Westminster where such pourers might be in use were visited and a large number were found
to be affected. Action was taken to discontinue their use and advice given regarding substitution by plastic
or porcelain pourers which were suitable for use in dispensing 'acid' drinks.
Unsound or Unsaleable Food — Examination and Disposal
Under Section 72(1) of the Public Health Act 1936 a local authority may undertake the removal of
trade refuse from premises within their district and having so undertaken shall, at the request of the
occupier, remove such trade refuse. Westminster has entered into such an undertaking.
Schedule II (Part II (7)) of the Local Government Act 1963, states that any person who has in his
possession or under his control any article of food which is unsound, unwholesome or unfit for human
consumption, may, by notice to the local authority, specifying and identifying the article, request its
removal as if it were trade refuse.
During the year some 361 tons of unsold or unsaleable foodstuffs were voluntarily surrendered for
disposal. Included in this amount were two consignments of onions, totalling 72 tons, which were
decomposed and rotting, one ton of meat and 4½ tons of miscellaneous goods, rendered unsaleable through
fire or smoke damage.
459 requests were received in the department during the year for inspections to be made of
out-of-condition foodstuffs.
The Liquid Egg (Pasteurisation) Regulations, 1963
There are no egg pasteurisation plants in Westminster, and any liquid egg used at premises in the City
would be subject to supervision by the local authority at the source of manufacture or examined on
importation.
Imported Food Regulations 1968
Most of the food imported into the United Kingdom is examined at the port of entry by the Port Health
Authority through an 'authorised officer' (i.e. public health inspector). As much food is containerised,
examination is sometimes deferred until the food reaches the place of destination where it is examined by
an inland local authority (such as Westminster). In the latter case notification of the release of the food
without examination will have been given.
During the year 45 notifications were received of imported foodstuffs coming into Westminster which
had not been examined at the port of entry. Immediately notification was received a visit was made to the
premises and an examination made of the consignment.
Export Certificates
Applications for Certificates of Export received in the Health Department during the year in respect of
foodstuffs to be despatched abroad numbered 7(15).