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Traders complain that many of the carcases are entirely unmarketable, not
on account of disease, but because they are too thin to stand the effects of
freezing and thawing; further, that such carcases when disposed of are sold
at so low a price as to reduce the value obtained for a better class of mutton.
That, of course, is a trade matter with which inspectors have nothing to do,
their duty being confined to a consideration of whether the carcases are fit or
unfit for food. Nevertheless, it is in the interests of the consignors in
Australia to know that so poor a quality of mutton is entirely unsuitable for
the London markets, and this opinion you conveyed to the Agent-General for
Australia.
Parasitic Australian Beef.
At the beginning of August, by an arrangement made between Dr. Williams,
Medical Officer of Health for the Port of London, and yourself, Australian
beef suspected of being infested with parasites in certain parts was brought
into the Cold Stores within the City subject to the condition that no part of
such meat would be exposed for sale until it had been examined and passed
by the meat inspectors.
Having ascertained that the previous method of dealing with this class of
meat was to examine 10 per cent. in the frozen condition, I consulted you as
to the method of examination to be adopted in the City, when it was decided
to examine every quarter of beef. Shortly after beginning the examination
of the hard frozen meat I formed the opinion that it was impossible to make
sure that the quarters of beef passed as apparently sound were entirely free
from parasites, and I again consulted you, when it was resolved that tests
should be made of forequarters of beef that had been passed. The test was
conducted as follows: the flanks and briskets were cut from quarters which
had been examined in a frozen condition and, as far as could be ascertained, free
from parasites; these portions were thawed, and then cut into strips about
two inches apart down to the ribs and sternum, with the result that 50 per cent.
were found to be extensively infested, the nodules in some cases adhering to
the periosteum of the ribs. Further tests were made with increasing
percentages of infestation. This information was conveyed to the officials of
the Finsbury Borough Council; tests of a similar kind were made there,
when 80 per cent. were found affected. The officials of the Southwark
Borough Council were next informed, and tests of a similar kind made there
showed 100 per cent. infested. During this time tests were continuously
being made by this department which showed similar results.
Having all these facts before you, there seemed only one line of action that
could be adopted to ensure that all meat passing through the City markets
was free from parasites, viz., to excise all flanks and briskets from forequarters
of Australian beef. You at once took the matter up, and, as stated in
Dr. MacFadden's Report, a Conference was held at the Local Government