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92
As a result of better attention being given to the inspection of offal in Argentina, a
reduction in the number of diseased tongues was observed at the close of the year,
and a further improvement is anticipated in 1914.
Australian Meat.
Although the last live stock returns show a decrease of 9,772,206 sheep and
157,247 cattle, it is anticipated that with favourable seasons there will be an increase of
the number of animals during next year, especially as new territories are being
opened up for the breeding and feeding of cattle and sheep.
In the report for 1912, gratification was expressed at the improvement that had
taken place in the inspection of Australian meat; unfortunately, that improvement has
not been maintained, very many quarters of beef arrived improperly cut and on
examination parasitic nodules were found in the cut portions. This necessitated all
fore-quarters being carefully examined, and if found improperly cut, they were recut.
The examination of hind-quarters showed that the work of the inspectors at the
place of slaughter, had been more carefully done than in the fore-quarters, but nodules
were found in several consignments.
In the examination of the hind-quarters some consignments were found with nodules
to the extent of 4.8 per cent., and in the fore-quarters some of the consignments showed
nodules to the extent of 20 per cent.
The following figures show the number of quarters and buttocks examined:—
Nos. Notified.
99,254 hind-quarters.
2,436 buttocks.
12,591 crops.
Nos. Examined.
88,499 hind-quarters.
2,265 buttocks.
11,878 crops.
Two hind-quarters were found affected with tuberculosis.
A number of calves' carcases were found unmarketable due to poorness of quality.
It is to be hoped that more care will be taken by the inspectors in Australia in
order that the inspection label on each quarter of beef or carcase of mutton may be
a real guarantee, as it should be, that the meat is above suspicion.
Swedish Meat.
By arrangement, all Swedish meat (pig-carcases excepted) passing through the
Port of London, was allowed to be discharged direct into the Central Markets without
examination at the Port, on condition that the meat was examined prior to sale.