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 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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FOOD HYGIENE - SMITHFIELD MARKET
Tne Food Hygiene (Markets, Stalls & Delivery Vehicles) Regulations, 1966
These Regulations are enforced in Smithfield Market which at the 31st December, 1971
comprised of 331 stalls, occupied by 97 tenants.
Each business is equipped with washing facilities required by regulations 16 and 18 of the
Regulations.
There are 353 porters licensed by the Clerk and Superintendent either self employed or
employed by meat carriers.
During the year 220 warning letters were despatched in respect of infringements of these
regulations and two successful prosecutions were heard at the Guildhall Justice Rooms (details
below).
An increasing number of persons other than known trade members visited the wholesale
market to purchase meat for their own consumption. Being outside the scope of the Hygiene
Regulations they are an embarrassment to enforcing officers and upsetting to market personnel
who themselves are controlled.
In the week of Christmas, 1971 the influx of these people almost overwhelmed sections
of the market.
Surveillance of vehicles attending to collect meat was maintained. The hygiene of vehicles
belonging to meat firms and carriers, generally, was of a good standard.
Information concerning unsatisfactory vehicles belonging to food businesses in their area
was passed to Local Authorities.
Laundering of protective clothing remains a problem, no new services having appeared.
| Infringement | Regulation | Fine | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employees not wearing sufficient clean and washable overclothing | 25 & 9 | £40 | £10 |
| Failing to keep clean a delivery vehicle | 5 | £30 | £22 |
| Failing to have displayed on a delivery vehicle, name and address of the person carrying on the business | 13 | £5 |
| Number of premises | 32 |
| Number of premises fitted to comply with Regulation 18 | 32 |
| Number of premises to which Regulation 21 applies | 30 |
| Number of premises fitted to comply with Regulation 19 | 29 |
During the year 8 warning letters were despatched in respect of infringements of these
regulations.
Food Hygiene (Docks, Carriers, etc.) Regulations, 1960
These Regulations apply to 4 Public Cold Stores where meat is handled.
During the year the cold chambers in these stores have been inspected as stock movement
allowed and with the co-operation of the management measures taken where necessary to improve
hygiene.
One warning letter was sent in respect of infringements of these Regulations.
Vermin Infestation
In the Public Cold Stores improved methods of stowage, vermin proofing and preventive
measures were achieved with the co-operation of Management, The Ministry of Agriculture Pest
Control Officer and Commercial Contractors.
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