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Plastic containers are at present in use for milk in Westminster in retail shops only. The present trend
towards the replacement of glass bottles by plastic containers, as in the case of soft drinks etc., may
eventually make the transition universal, although it may not be acceptable by all consumers.
Canned Soup
Information was received in the department during the year of an incident of botulism which occurred
abroad where the source of infection had been traced to a consignment of canned soup manufactured by a
company who also distributed many other brands of soup under various labels.
From information available in the department it was known that the brand of imported soup was on sale
at premises in Westminster, together with other brands of the same Company's products.
Immediate steps were taken to withdraw these soups from sale. Further information was also sought
from the Embassy of the country concerned where it was learned that none of the tins of the affected batch
had been imported into the United Kingdom. Nonetheless the canners had requested that all stocks of their
soups should be returned regardless of whether they were of the affected variety.
Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. The mode of transmission is by
ingestion of contaminated food from jars or cans inadequately processed during canning and eaten without
subsequent adequate cooking. Incidents of botulism are rare in this country as relatively little home canning
is performed. The disease is usually fatal.
The Department of Health & Social Security was aware of the occurrence and was informed of the
action taken in Westminster.
Poultry Processing Premises
There are no poultry processing premises in Westminster.
Slaughter of Animals
There are no slaughter houses in Westminster, but in the grounds of the Zoological Society of London
for many years there has been a knacker's yard, licensed by the Council, where slaughtering takes place for
animal feeding purposes. The necessary licence for this was renewed during the year.
Applications are also received from time to time from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals for Slaughterman's Licences to be issued to probationary inspectors. Twenty-five such licences
were issued during the year; they are necessary in order that the inspectors concerned can commence
training as slaughtermen and receive from the Society practical training and instruction in modern methods
of humane slaughter.
One annual licence was renewed for an instructor at the Society's Headquarters.
Diseases of Animals Act 1950 and Other Acts Relating to Animals
Under an arrangement entered into in 1965 the Corporation of the City of London acts on an agency
basis on behalf of the Westminster City Council in connection with duties under the Diseases of Animals,
Riding Establishments, Performing Animals, Pet Animals, and Animal Boarding Establishments Acts where
veterinary services are involved. Veterinary officers of the Corporation of London undertake routine
inspection of animals in transit and inspections for licensing purposes under the Riding Establishments Act,
together with inspections specially requested by the Medical Officer of Health of Westminster. All other
necessary inspections are made by the public health inspectors. The Corporation issues any notices and
advertisements which may be required under these Acts but licensing and registration of residents of
premises in Westminster is undertaken by the City Council.
Pharmacy and Poisons Acts 1933 and 1941
At the end of the year the names of 109(114) traders were on the Council's list of persons entitled to
sell poisons included in Part II of the poisons list, the number of premises concerned being 146(153).