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Associated with these changes in the pattern of eating has been the remarkable increase in
the number of food-vending machines installed, more particularly in the larger dining clubs and
canteens serving such City institutions as the head offices of the banks and insurance firms.
The use of vending machines started some years ago, initially dispensing beverages such
as teas, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit drinks, but they can now be found serving soups and a
variety of packaged "ready-to-eat" foods. These machines secure a large saving in staff and
there are a number of companies now operating in the City area who offer a full vending service,
both in the supply of food and drinks and the regular servicing of the machines. The stocking-up
of these vending machines is another part of the services offered.
It cannot be too strongly emphasised that regular servicing of vending machines is absolutely
essential. Whilst full servicing instructions are issued when these vending machines are
supplied, and tuition is given in such servicing to responsible members of the staff where the
machine is installed, it has been found that after a time this servicing tends to be treated in
somewhat desultory manner, and at times is completely overlooked, with disastrous results.
It is felt in this connection that full and regular servicing contracts should be established at the
outset with the companies actually fitting these vending machines.
Since the G.P.O. became a public corporate body during 1969 and thus came under the
jurisdiction of the City Corporation in respect of their premises situated within the City, a
regular liaison has been established and maintained with the Regional Catering Officer, Post
Office Central Personnel Department, now situated at Euston. Such jurisdiction covers all catering
services, varying from the large London Telecommunications Region establishments to the
small branch post office canteens. The Post Office has an immense task but there is no doubt
that with this co-operation they are achieving better catering facilities for their staff.
Four Public Health Inspectors are engaged full time on the inspection of catering establishments
and during the year under review 769 routine primary inspections were carried out, together
with 2,608 other inspections. This resulted in 309 written communications being sent to the proprietors
of catering establishments, drawing their attention to a variety of unsatisfactory conditions.
Substantial improvements have resulted from this work. In addition, 127 verbal representations
were made regarding relatively minor contraventions of the Food Hygiene Regulations.
Legal proceedings were instituted in three cases where exceptionally filthy and unhygienic
conditions were found to exist. A conviction was secured in each instance, resulting in the
imposition of fines and costs totalling £892.
It is still surprising that it is possible to come across the occasional caterer who expects
to escape the consequences of gross neglect.
During the year a marked increase was noted in the number of complaints received and a
considerable amount of time was spent in the subsequent investigation of these particular complaints.
This upsurge in numbers may be due to an increasing awareness on the part of the
public to the fact that the Public Health Department is always ready to deal with such matters
when brought to the attention of the Inspectors concerned. Publicity in the local and national
press has without doubt contributed to this growing interest on the part of the public.
Continued surveillance on the part of the Inspectors concerned in the inspection of catering
premises ensures that every effort is made to maintain a satisfactory standard in existing establishments
and special attention has been paid to prospective new catering units where intending
caterers have approached this department for advice. In this connection a detailed schedule
of requirements has been formulated and has been well received by both prospective caterers
and their contractors, who have found it of great assistance to them in formulating proposals
which are satisfactory both to the trade and to this department.
FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955
SAMPLING
Foods purchased by the Sampling Officer during the year constituted a representative selection
of all articles of food in regular use.
Of the 381 samples purchased, only 8, or 2.2%, were the subject of an adverse report by the
Public Analyst. Most of the irregularities referred to infringements of the Labelling of Food
Order and were resolved after consultation with the manufacturers and packers concerned.
All formal samples of milk-22 in all-purchased from milk roundsmen and City restaurants
were up to standard.
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