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9
ICE CREAM.
Sampling of Ice Cream was continued during the Summer months.
14 samples were submitted to the Bacteriologist and 9 were analysed by the Public Analyst.
In April, the Minister of Health in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by the Food and
Drugs Act, 1938, made The Ice Cream (Heat Treatment, etc.) Regulations, 1947, which became
operative on 1st May. Briefly, the Regulations require that, with the exception of evaporated cold
mixes, i.e., powder to which cold water only is added and which is then converted into ice cream
within an hour of such reconstitution, the ingredients of ice cream shall be heat treated, after being
mixed and that the mixture shall then be coolcd until the freezing process is begun. After freezing,
the ice cream must not be sold—and this applies to cold mixes as well—unless it has been kept at a
temperature not higher than 28°F. or if its temperature has risen above 28°F. unless it has again been
heat treated and then kept at not more than 28°F. after having been frozen.
When the above-mentioned samples were procured the temperature of the mix was taken at
the same time and in no instance was it found that the stipulated figure was exceeded. Above the
temperature of 28°F. the mix would tend to becomo liquid and this would of course militate against
its ready sale.
In a circular letter referring to these Ice Cream Regulations it was stated that the Minister of
Health had given further consideration to the prescription in the Regulations of a bacteriological
standard of cleanliness for ice cream, but he was still not satisfied that there was any test the reliability
of which was sufficiently established to justify its use as a statutory test. He therefore recommended
the Methylene Blue Test in accordance with the particulars published in the Ministry of Health's
Monthly Bulletin for March, 1947. The basis of the Methylene Blue Test which as mentioned above is
used also for the examination of milk, is, that living micro-organisms use up dissolved oxygen and the
rate of removal of oxygen is roughly proportional to the number of organisms present. As concentration
of oxygen is reduced the Methylene Blue loses its colour. On the basis of experimental results
it was suggested that the Test be given a trial for assessing the bacterial cleanliness of ice cream.
Tentatively the cream was placed into four gradings according to the time taken to reduce the
methylene blue, i.e., from 0 hours to 4½ hours or more.
This test afforded an index of contamination but in some cases and especially where previous
results had been bad, it was considered advisable to have a complete bacteriological examination as
well. Resulting from the sampling and examination of ico cream, communications were forwarded
to the Medical Officers of Health of three districts where the cream had been manufactured, and in
two cases the particular Medical Officers concerned intimated that the manufacturers premises from
which the cream had been sent out were undergoing overhaul. In accordance with the powers conferred
by the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, and in order to see that the requirements of that Act and of
the above-mentioned Regulations had been complied, with premises where ice cream has been manufactured,
sold or stored for sale have been inspected.
There have been 15 new registrations for the sale of ice cream, and in one case the use of promises
for that purpose has been discontinued.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
The general sanitary supervision has been maintained and in this connection 4,233 inspections
have been made. As a consequence of these inspections, it was necessary to serve 71 Intimation
Notices. Six Statutory Orders were served. No legal proceedings were necessary.
Tenement Houses were inspected and the only common lodging house in the City was kept under
regular supervision.
HOUSING.
The total number of dwelling-houses inspected for housing defects was 55. In 33 defects were
found and in 30 these defects were remedied. There are nine houses on which it is intended to place
a Closing Order as soon as there is reasonable prospect of the occupants being able to obtain suitable
alternative accommodation.
FACTORY ACT, 1937.
Factory premises have been under such supervision as has been possible having regard to their
needs, and the following gives details of the work carricd out:—