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64.
Pood imported into the Country through the many wharves along the
River Thames has been kept under constant observation. The inspection
procedure of Imported meat and meat products has become very much more
elaborate since this year the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Pood
revised most of the Official Veterinary Certificates. Not only has the
country of origin now to be checked but also the establishment from which
the product is derived.
In connection with food sampling it is interesting to recall that
the first reports to the Metropolitan Boroughs in the year 1900 clearly
indicated that unscrupulous food traders were increasing their profits by
fraudulent sales. Butter adulterated with 88 per cent foreign fat; milk
deficient in cream to the extent of 43 per cent and cocoa adulterated
with 58 per cent arrowroot are examples of the gross adulteration then
found.
Today the pattern has changed and adulteration as a deliberate act
is a rare occurrence. Irregularities in the labelling of prepacked food
is the predominant fault found in samples purchased from retailers. Many
labels fail to disclose the name and address of the packer or contain
anomalies in the list of ingredients.
On the other hand considerable concern has been expressed regarding
chemical additives in food, a subject at present being studied by the
Pood Additives and Contaminants Committee, and the number of complaints
regarding foreign matter in food appears to increase. Although some of
the foreign bodies found in food may not be regarded as a health hazard
their presence indicates negligence and lack of care. Investigation of
this type of complaint should be pursued with enthusiasm and the need for
sound hygienic methods should be emphasised.
Rodent Control. Arrangements are being made to extend to the
whole of the Borough of Tower Hamlets the method of sewer disinfestation
employed by the former Stepney and Poplar Councils. It is proposed that
a continuous baiting of the sewers, using fluoracetamlde, be carried out
throughout the year by gangs of men consisting of one rodent operative
and two sewermen from the Borough Engineer's Department acting under the
supervision of the Health Department's Officers.
The Council has approved a scale of charges for dlsinfestation of
business premises whereby firms may receive for an annual fee continuous
treatment, usually five or six baitings spread over the year, or alternatively
meet the charges for each individual treatment.