London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
City of London 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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MEAT INSPECTION
| Tons | Cwts | Qrs. | Lbs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meat etc., delivered at Smithfield Market | 338,768 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Meat etc., surrendered to Inspectors at Smithfield Market | 534 | 15 | 3 | 8 |
| Meat etc., surrendered to Inspectors at Leadenhall Market & City Shops | 4 | 16 | 3 | 18 |
| Meat etc., surrendered to Inspectors at Cold Stores | 4 | 14 | 1 | 22 |
| Number of Exportation Certificates issued | 38 | |||
| Number of demonstrations and lectures given | 133 | |||
| Number of attendances by students | 1,454 | |||
| Number of samples taken for Medical Research | 17 | |||
| Number of samples taken for Ophthalmic Research | 24 | |||
| Number of samples taken for Government Chemist | ||||
| investigation (pesticides) | 66 |
FOOD INSPECTION
Foodstuffs, in addition to meat, condemned as unfit for human consumption as a result of the inspection of food landed at Riverside Wharves and in grocers shops, cafes, restaurants, etc., amounted to 254 tons, 11 cwts, 0 qrs., 13 lbs., which was disposed of as follows:—
| Tons | Cwts | Qrs | Lbs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destroyed | 236 | 9 | 1 | 18 |
| Disposed of to Contractors | 5 | 8 | 1 | 18 |
| Released for Manufacture | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Released for Fertiliser Manufacture | 4 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
| Re-exported | 3 | 12 | 2 | 19 |
21 tons, 7 cwts, 1 qr. 7 lbs., of food were placed under stop and subsequently dealt with
under supervision of other local authorities.
FOOD HYGIENE (General) REGULATIONS, I960 and 1962.
The stalls in Smithfield Market still maintain a good standard of cleanliness. Seven warning
letters were sent for contraventions of the regulations during the year and the defects were remedied.
The carrier company vans have been maintained to a good standard of cleanliness throughout
the year and any suggested improvements received immediate attention. On 1st November, 1966,
British Railways introduced their new Freightliner Service from Aberdeen to London. These
insulated containers are refrigerated by dry ice from roof bunkers. The meat has arrived at Smithfield
Market in very good condition and no complaints have been received. The old containers
still in use need constant supervision to ensure that they are clean as there are still cases of
dirty sides of beef (Albuminium Rub) arriving in these containers.
The general standard of cleanliness of private butchers' vans is good, but sixty-five warning
letters have been sent for dirty vehicles and private cars.
In January a new floor was opened at the Fish and Vegetable Market. This floor incorporates
a truck cleansing machine enabling trucks in the Market to be cleansed regularly and efficiently
and space is provided for the trucks so that they can be stored under cover. During the year only
two warning letters were sent regarding dirty trucks.
Facilities are also provided on this floor for the self-employed Porters. These facilities
include shower-baths, washing facilities, electric points for razors and changing rooms with
heated lockers.
During the year 463 infringements were noted and suitable warnings were given including 252 in writing as listed below.
| Infringements | Warning Letters | Prosecutions |
|---|---|---|
| 86 in connection with clothing | 72 | — |
| 38 in connection with containers | 32 | — |
| 33 in connection with head covering | 31 | 1 (a) |
| 37 in connection with meat contami nation | 18 | — |
| 128 in connection with premises and equipment | 7 | — |
| 25 were incidents of smoking whilst handling food | 25 | — |
| 28 regarding trucks | 2 | — |
| 87 regarding vans and cars | 65 | 1 (b) |
| 1 in respect of a wound dressing | — | — |
(a) Defendant fined £5 and ordered to pay 2 gns, costs.
(b) Defendant fined £100 and ordered to pay 5 gns. costs.
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