Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[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 | 343,619 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Meat etc., surrendered at Smithfield Market | 581 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
Meat etc., surrendered at Leadenhall Market and City Shops | 3 | 19 | 1 | 26 |
Meat etc., surrender at Cold Stores | 1 | 11 | 2 | 11 |
Number of exportation certificates issued. | 17 | |||
Number of demonstrations and lectures given | 155 | |||
Number of attendances by students | 1,388 | |||
Number of samples taken for medical research | 10 | |||
Number of samples taken for ophthalmic research | 62 | |||
Number of samples taken for bacteriological examination | 8 | |||
Number of samples taken for Government Chemist investigation | 86 |
FOOD HYGIENE (General) REGULATIONS. 1960 and 1962
During the yearthe provision of facilities for washing tools and equi pment has been completed.
Delay in this project has been due to drainage difficulties. All stalls are now fitted with sinks
and most have hot water supply, but the latter, which is the tenants responsibility, remains to be
provided in a few stalls.
The vehicles of the carrier companies have been maintained to a good standard of cleanliness.
The vehicles of butchers who collect meat are generally of good standard, and where faults were
found they were speedily remedied.
Most infringements of the Hygiene Regulations are found among the personnel and vehicles
of small cafe and restaurant owners. In these cases information has been passed to the Local
Authority in whose area the business is situated.
The market truck cleansing facilities installed by the Corporation of London are extremely
effective, but only half the trucks in use on the market are regularly put through the machine.
Private arrangements for cleansing are made for the remainder some of which have been the subject
of verbal warnings.
The Food Hygiene (Market, Stalls and Delivery Vehicles) Regulations, 1966, required, from
1st January, 1967, that all trucks carrying meat outside the covered area of the Market should be
covered. In consultation with the Trade Union the use of Polythene sheeting was agreed upon
and a convenient source of supply arranged. It was necessary to issue 35 warning letters for
infringement of this particular requirement.
Warnings issued include a number to senders and transport firms who deliver into the market
from other parts of the country. Where for example an unhygienic vehicle is used in emergency,
warnings by telephone have been given to prevent despatch of further consignments without adequate
protection from risk of contamination.
The supply from laundries of clean protective clothing to market personnel is often interrupted.
There are three specialist laundries engaged in this service and each has been communicated with
on various occasions to expedite delivery.
During the year 530 infringements were noted and suitable warnings were given including 255 in writing as listed below.
23 in connection with clothing | 20 |
19 in connection with containers | 15 |
50 in connection with head covering | 45 |
97 in connection with meat contamination | 61 |
171 in connection with premises and equipment | 10 |
50 were incidents of smoking whilst handling food | 47 |
36 regarding trucks | — |
84 regarding vans and cars | 57 |
There are estimated to be some 7,000 persons using Smithfield Market daily, which figure
includes:—
approximately 600 porters licensed by the Superintendent of the Market, including some 120
freelance porters popularly known as "bummarees".
some 200 pitchers who arrive at the Market with the various meat vans, unload the vehicles
and leave the Market again on the vans.
tenants' staffs, buyers and their staffs.
there are 357 stalls on the Market occupied by approximately 110 tenants.
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