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39
As the result of visits I paid to a large number of factories, I came to the
conclusion that the principal causes of contamination were:—
1. Defects in the system of bottle-washing.
2. Exposure of water to the risk of pollution in wooden tanks.
3. Absence or imperfection of covers to receptacles containing the
water and solution.
The powers of Local Authorities in regard to control of these premises is
limited, and so long as there is no direct infringement of the law in relation
thereto no action can be taken. For example, there is nothing upon the
Statute forbidding the use of wooden tanks for the purposes of washing the
bottles, yet, for obvious reasons, the use of wooden tanks for this purpose is
highly undesirable.
At my suggestion, therefore, it was decided to call the attention of
the Trade to the state of affairs, and, as far as possible, to leave the question
of improvement in the condition in their hands.
This action resulted in the opening, by the Mineral Water Trade Protection
Society, of a Register of Mineral Water Traders, registration to be dependent
upon the following conditions:—
(1) A Certificate from the Medical Officer of Health of the district
in which the factory is situated, to the effect that the premises are
in good sanitary condition.
(2) A bacteriological analysis of the water supply used.
(3) A bacteriological analysis of the finished goods.
(4) And to further undertake to carry out certain regulations.
The regulations referred to in No. 4 were drawn up by your Medical
Officer of Health for the Association, and are here reproduced:—
Soda Water Factories.—Regulations.
Premises.—To be in good sanitary condition. Certificate from Medical Officer
of Health, Sanitary Authority.
Water.—Source of supply to be bacteriologically examined at entrance
to works.
Storage Tanks.—To be of impervious material, viz., slate, glass or galvanised
iron (not wood) and fitted with efficient covers (glass or galvanized iron,
with flanges), not wood. Tanks to be cleansed periodically.
Solution Tanks.—To be covered with impervious material (not wood) and
cleansed after each emptying.