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57
The above policy, if faithfully adhered to, should result in the almost complete
elimination of boric acid from sponge fingers, sponge cakes and biscuits.
At a later date further samples will be taken with a view to ascertaining to
what extent conditions are improved.
SALE OF ICE CREAM BY ITINERANT VENDORS.
At the beginning of what might be termed the Ice Cream season an inspection
was made of the barrows of the itinerant vendors of Ice Cream in the City.
These barrows are provided with receptacles with more or less close fitting
covers, to contain the ice cream, to which little practical exception could be taken.
Another receptacle is, however, invariably carried which contains the water for
washing the ice cream glasses, and metal frames in which the ice cream wafers are
made up. These receptacles were without covers and were in most cases found to
be in an unsatisfactory condition. Examination of the wafer frames showed that
the parts not exposed to view were in a dirty condition, and likely to contaminate
the water in which they were rinsed as well as to provide a nidus for the development
of objectionable and dangerous organisms. The water, too, in which these frames
were washed was, especially in the late afternoons, very dirty and on hot days
quite warm. I found that the water with which the vendors set out on their
morning round was made to last the whole day. When spoken to on the point all
the vendors agreed as to the desirability of periodically changing the water, but
stated that they were unable to obtain a fresh supply at suitable places.
On my recommendation arrangements have now been made by the City
Engineer for these traders to obtain clean water at the several men's underground
conveniences throughout the City, and also at Aldgate Pump.
In order that all the vendors might be made aware of these facilities a circular
letter was distributed to them on the subject, and in this circular letter their attention
was also directed to the necessity for frequent and adequate washing of
the glasses and all utensils, especially the wafer frames which it was suggested
should be taken to pieces frequently, scalded, and cleaned before being reassembled.
ICE CREAM.
In two instances during the year it was necessary to direct the attention of
the Sanitary Committee to the manufacture of Ice Cream in basement premises
which were wholly unsuited for the purpose to which they were put.
It was not necessary to institute legal proceedings as the manufacture was
ceased when the occupiers' attention was called to the unsatisfactory nature of the
premises.