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Ice Cream
The standard of this product has been steadily maintained and none of the samples submitted
to the Public Analyst failed to comply with the requirements of the Food Standards (Ice Cream)
Order, 1953. The average composition of the samples taken was fat: 11.4 per cent.; milk solids
(not fat) 10.7 per cent; sucrose 15.6 per cent.
Adverse reports were received from the Bacteriologist on his examination of two of the
samples which came from the same source and the Medical Officer of Health for the district
where the cream was manufactured was notified accordingly.
Food Labelling
With the exception of the question of the labelling of condensed milk, mentioned above, no
administrative action has been required. Enquiries however, continue to be received from time to
time and advice and assistance have been given wherever possible to assist compliance with the
requirements of the Labelling of Food Order, 1953 as amended.
Administration Generally
Details of the formal and informal samples taken and submitted for analysis and of action
taken with regard to adulteration or other irregularities, appear later in this Report.
IMPORTED EGG PRODUCTS
In 1955 it was found by the Central Public Health Laboratory that much of the Chinese
crystalised albumen imported into this country was infected with organisms of the Salmonella
group capable of causing food poisoning, and occasionally, the organisms of para-typhoid fever
were present.
Considerable quantities of egg products in crystalline, powdered or frozen liquid form are
imported from China, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, for use in the bakery and confectionery
trades. This product is valuable and in keen demand.
Upon arrival at City Wharves or Cold Stores consignments of all egg products are immediately
placed under stop pending sampling for bacteriological examination.
All crystal albumen is released subject to undergoing a sterilizing heat treatment at an
approved centre before use, whether sampling discloses Salmonella organisms or not. Chinese
crystal albumen is subjected to 1% — 2% sampling for record purposes.
Powdered egg products are subjected to an initial 5% sampling of each batch or code.
Should any sample be found to contain Salmonella organisms of a pathogenic type, a further
5% — 10% sampling of the positive batch or range is drawn, on the results of which decision is
made as to disposal.
There are a number of technical processes unconnected with food in which egg albumen is
used. Consignments are freely released for this purpose under proper supervision.
During the year, 3,871 cases of imported Chinese hen egg products, albumen crystals, whole
egg powder, flaked whole egg powder and spray dried whole egg powder, were placed under stop
at City Wharves pending bacteriological examination. 226 samples were taken for examination
by the Central Public Health Laboratory at Colindale. 197 of these were reported negative and
29 were reported as containing pathogenic Salmonella organisms — 14.7%.
Considerable quantities of frozen liquid whole egg are imported from Australia, New Zealand
and South Africa. This is subjected to a 1% — 2% examination from batches or 'codes', batches
from which positive samples have been taken undergoing a further 5% examination, the results of
which determine decision as to detention or release.
143 samples, all of which were reported negative, were taken from shipments from Australia
totalling 17,203 cartons, and 75 samples , 70 of which gave negative results and 5 positive
results, were taken from South African shipments totalling 5,748 cartons.
Whilst the results relating to Commonwealth imports may be accepted as fairly satisfactory,
since this report was written experience has shown that the amount of contamination has increased.
HYGIENE IN HAIRDRESSERS' AND BARBERS' SHOPS
In accordance with Section 18 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1954,
the Corporation made Bye-laws for securing the cleanliness of premises registered under this
Section also of instruments used and persons employed therein, which are based on the model
Byelaws quoted in my last Annual Report.
77 hairdressers' establishments are now registered in the City. 12 of the 89 which were
operating at the end of last year have closed voluntarily.
Inspections throughout the year have shown that the standards required by the Byelaws are
being maintained.
12.