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of the raw cow flesh, which is generally received by the cats' meat dealer "A" in clean bags and
wrappers ?" The slicing and dressing of cows' meat are quite out of keeping with the custom of the cats'
meat trade. Cats' meat dealers like to buy the flesh in large lumps. The slicing, on the other hand, is
consistent with the subsequent use of the meat for sausages or meat pies. "A's" firm, it seems, has been
convicted for selling meat unfit for human consumption to sausage makers. In the absence of power to
inspect foodstuffs in transit, men who carry on a trade of this kind are able to do so with comparative
impunity, and there is need for the exercise of supervision, not only in respect of rail and water
borne food, but also of that which enters London by road. As illustration, for example, it may be stated
that near the London boundary there is carried on the business of a knacker, and also that of a slaughterer
of cattle by one and the same person. The meat, in this instance, comes up to London by road.
The inspectors further refer to their observations upon meat in sacks which "from the feel appears
to have been boned out," and they say "such packages should always be open to suspicion and should be
inspected." The need, moreover, for examining "small consignments of sausages and preserved meat"
and "chopped meat in casks," which the inspectors note in some instances "is highly coloured and
spiced and possibly contains a percentage of 'Jacko,' is only too apparent." In fact, the inspectors'
observations abundantly prove, if indeed proof of the fact be needed, that foodstuffs open to suspicion
are not as a rule taken to the open market to be disposed of, but find their way to the consumer by devious
routes, which, in the absence of powers of inspection, it is only possible in rare instances to follow up.
(Signed) Shirley F. Murphy,
Medical Officer of Health.