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MEAT AND FOOD INSPECTION - SMITHFIELD MARKET
Although the deliveries of meat, poultry etc. into Smithfield Market increased by only 20,000
tons, compared with 1960, from 356,106 tons to 376,273 tons the tonnage of food condemned has
more than doubled, from 405 tons to 860 tons.
The increased rate of condemnation is partly due to the large number of broiler chickens
delivered to the market, considerable quantities of which are rejected on account of disease,
nearly 102 tons in 1961 compared with 67 tons in 1960.
Condemnations of meat from one particular country were necessary on an unduly high scale
owing to faulty handling in transporting the meat from the continent to this country. It was found
that the cause originated in the transference of the meat from refrigerated containers to smaller
non-refrigerated vehicles which were then conveyed by ferry to this country — an unsatisfactory
procedure which is under urgent consideration by the importers concerned.
The Chief Meat Inspector reports a noticeable increase in the amount of home-killed meat
condemned on account of disease and unsoundness.

FOOD HYGIENE (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, 1960
Transport and Handling of Meat
The following report has been received from Mr. D.R. Bernhardt, the Officer appointed to
enforce the provisions of these Regulations in regard to transport and handling of meat.
"Stalls — The standard of cleanliness in the stalls has been maintained.
"Meat Transport — The standard of hygiene of the vans is still being maintained. Experiments
are now being carried out with a variety of materials to enable the floor to be better
protected when loading and unloading. Meetings with British Railway Officials have been
held to improve the transport of meat and a number of suggestions have been made to improve
the standard of hygiene and facilitate better condition of the meat.
"Trucks — Truck cleanliness still shows improvement in spite of the fact that a large number
of trucks have to be stored in the open during the re-building of the poultry market.
"Washing Facilities — All conveniences around the market have now been modernised and
these have been well used by market staff.
"Hats and Clothing — The general standard has improved, but ten prosecutions for not wearing
head covering whilst carrying food and one prosecution for not wearing protective clothing
whilst handling food have been taken.
"Smoking — Since the last report ten prosecutions for smoking whilst handling food have been
successful at the Guildhall Police Court, with a consequent marked improvement.
"Vans — There were two prosecutions for dirty vans during the year. The standard of butchers
vans has been good.
Taxis and Private Cars — Towards the end of November it was apparent that a number of
taxis were being hired in areas outside the City in order to transport meat from Smithfield
Market. Until they arrived at Smithfield the majority of the drivers of these taxis were
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