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Retail Shops.—The retail butchers and bacon shops are gradually reaching the hygienic
standard set under the Regulations, and in practically every case where requirement has
been made the alterations and improvements have been carried out with satisfaction to both
sides.
Difficulty is still experienced in the use of sawdust on floors of shops, owing to excessive
and unnecessary quantity. Cold storage chambers have attained a high level of cleanliness,
which is being maintained by means of periodical inspections. A few shops have been
entirely refitted on the most modern lines, and further advance in this direction is expected
in the near future.
Premises Used for Manufacture of Meat Foods.-—Many alterations and improvements
have been carried out in the above premises, and it can be said that the foodstuffs manufactured
in the City are prepared at a high hygienic level. In certain cases of limited space
and the age of building, this condition is being maintained by constant supervision.
The chief difficulty is the personal cleanliness of the employees. This can only be
dealt with by stricter supervision on the part of the persons responsible
During the year a bacterial infection occurred in one of the food factories, which necessitated
the thorough cleansing and disinfection of all utensils and apparatus used in connection
with the particular process of manufacture. The necessary work has been carried out;
operations have again been started and continue satisfactorily.
Transport by Railway Companies' Road Vehicles.—This method of transport is now much
improved, and the undertakings given by the various Railway Companies at the Conference
last year have been carried out satisfactorily.
Transport and Handling of Irish Meat.—Fresh meat imported from Ireland is variously
packed, the packings which require most attention being carcases in wooden or galvanised
crates or those wrapped in muslin cloths. Owing to the necessary steamer, railway and
road transport, and consequent many occasions on which the meat is handled, care is necessary
to ensure that the meat is adequately protected from the several sources of contamination,
and in this more supervision is necessary by the responsible persons at the ports of
exportation. Several of the crates arriving at Smithfield recently have shown defects,
especially as regards the canvas used for lining and cleanliness of the crates. An unsatisfactory
condition met with in the trade is contaminations of the head and neck in the carcases
where these have come in contact with the floor of the railway waggons and road vehicles
in protruding through the crate. The carcase is either too long for the crate or, through
careless hanging or handling, the carcase has slipped to the bottom of the crate.
A new type of crate is now in use, which, although similar to the wooden crate in construction,
is more easily cleansed, being constructed of galvanised iron. Provided the
canvas used is renewed when necessary, this is the most efficient crating yet devised.
General Observations.—Generally, the conditions under which meat has been handled
and transported to and from the City Markets has greatly improved during the past year.
Many contraventions of the Regulations due to lack of thought occur, and verbal caution
has had the desired effect.
A typical example on the part of a person responsible for the managing of transport
may be of interest.
A large firm owning several depots and butchers' shops had built a fleet of new vans,
which had been designed to reduce the risk of contamination. The vehicles attended Smithfield
Market daily for supplies, and it was noticed that straw was being used on the floor
of the van. This matter was mentioned to an official of the firm. He replied that straw
had always been used and that the vans were thoroughly cleansed every night. When it
was pointed out that the floor was of teak and therefore easily cleansed, he issued instructions
prohibiting the use of straw in meat vehicles owned by the firm.
Are muslin cloths an adequate protection against contamination? This matter has
arisen owing to the increasing use of sheep muslin shirts as containers for various kinds of
small joints and offal. It is generally an unsatisfactory method of protection, owing to the
bad condition of the muslin.
It is found that discussion of the reasons for absolute cleanliness and its effect in increased
trade do good and enable your officers to carry out their duties without friction with those
with whom they come in contact. This is preferable to drastic methods.
During the year many verbal cautions have been given, 843 cautionary letters have
been written, and 21 summonses issued for offences under the Regulations. Fines totalling
£90 14s. and costs amounting to £2 18s. 6d. have been imposed.