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40
Bakehouses.
No bakehouse has been removed from the register during the year,
and none have been added. The number at present on the register is 78,
70 of which are below the ground level. These have been subject to regular
inspection during the year. During the latter half of 1909, the system of drawing
the attention of the occupiers of such premises to the fact that under the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, and the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, in all
bakehouses, where limewashed, the limewashing shall be renewed at least every
six months, was introduced. This regulation applies to the inside walls of the
rooms of the bakehouse and all the ceilings or tops of such rooms and to the
passages and staircase of the bakehouse. If the walls, etc., are painted and
varnished, the paint or varnish (three coats) must be renewed once in seven
years, and be washed with hot water and soap once at least in every six months.
A bakehouse in which there is any contravention of this rule is to be deemed
not to be kept in conformity with the Factory and Workshop Act, and liability
to a penalty is incurred by the person so offending.
This regulation, so far as the records show, had been rather neglected in the
past, but after the service of the notice the requirements of the Act were
complied with without in one instance having to put into operation the legal
remedy for non-compliance.
In future reminders will be sent out twice a year, and all bakehouses kept
under close observation.
Sale of Food and Drugs Acts.
The system in vogue in connection with food sampling is for the Medical
Officer of Health to hand the Meat and Food Inspector a list each Saturday
of the number of samples to be taken of various articles during the ensuing
week. In some cases he is instructed to sample at certain shops and to visit at
certain hours and on certain days.
A considerable number of the samples taken during 1909 were purchased
by an "agent." The total number of samples submitted to the Public Analyst
was 756, and of these 4l(5.4 per cent.) were found to be adulterated. Proceedings
were instituted in 31 cases, and fines and costs to the amount of £93. 4s. 6d. were
recovered.
As shown below, only in one case was it necessary to take proceedings for
obstruction to the carrying out of the Acts. The penalty enforced will probably
act as a deterrent to other persons tempted to obstruct.
Offence. Result.
Obstructing an officer in the course of his
duty at No. 20, Blenheim Terrace. Fined £3 and £1 3s. costs.