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"In view of the greater tendency to generalisation of tuberculosis in the
pig, we consider that the presence of tubercular deposit in any degree should
involve seizure of the whole carcase and of the organs.
"In respect of foreign dead meat, seizure shall ensue in every case where
the pleura have been ' stripped.' "
The Board drew attention to this matter in the circular letters which they
addressed to the Councils of Boroughs and Urban and Rural Districts on the
11th March, 1899, and they desire again to refer to it and strongly to urge
upon the Council to direct those of their officers who are employed as Meat
Inspectors to act in accordance with the principles laid down by the Royal
Commission.
It is also of much importance that a person who is to act as a Meat Inspector
should possess proper qualifications for the office. He should, as was pointed
out by the Royal Commission, be acquainted with—
(a) The law of meat inspection.
(b) The names and situations of the organs of the body.
(c) Signs of health and disease in animals destined for food, both when
alive and after slaughter.
(d) The appearance and character of fresh meat, organs, fat and blood,
and the conditions rendering them, or preparations from them,
fit or unfit for human food.
The Board trust that in making appointments of officers on whom will
devolve the duty of acting as Meat Inspectors, the Council will satisfy
themselves that the person appointed possesses adequate knowledge on these
subjects.
The Board may at the same time draw attention to Article 19 (7) of their
General Order of the 23rd March, 1891, with respect to the duties of an
Inspector of Nuisances in relation to the inspection and seizure of meat.
There is a similar provision in Article 19 (6) of the Order in force in London,
viz., the Sanitary Officers (London) Order, 1891.
Any Inspector of Nuisances or Sanitary Inspector to whom either of these
Orders applies is required in any case of doubt in connection with the
inspection and seizure of meat to report the matter to the Medical Officer of
Health, with the view of obtaining his advice thereon. The Board think it
desirable that any such Inspector of Nuisances or Sanitary Inspector should
be reminded of his duty in this respect.