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Food, Premises.— The points of importance in relation to food premises
generally, i.e., slaughterhouses, bakehouses, etc., have already been defined, and
here it is unnecessary to say more than that during the year these places were
kept under regular supervision. Numerous visits were paid and inspections both
of the premises and contents carried out.
Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1925.—Some reference has already been
made to these regulations, but here it may be stated that in connection with their
enforcement a very considerable amount of work was done during the year. Prior
to the coming into operation of the regulations a communication was sent to all
butchers and other engaged in the sale of meat and other articles, e.g., bacon,
falling within the definition of meat. Suggestions were also offered as to the
methods to be adopted with a view to insuring compliance both in the case of shops
and of stalls. In a number of instances shopkeepers abandoned the practice of
exposing meat on window ledges and stalls outside their shops and provided, in
addition, glass fronts. In others, there was compliance to the extent of abandoning
outside stalls and only exposing the meat on the window ledge inside the open
window. In the market streets, on account of the existence of meat stalls in
the roadway, great difficulty was experienced with the shopkeepers, and up to the
present in the majority of instances the only provision made has been in the form
of canvas screens over the top and sides of the outside stalls. In one case in which
even this arrangement was improperly carried out proceedings were instituted,
and the defendant was called upon to pay a fine of £10 with £8 8s. costs in
addition. In the case of stalls the screening of the top, back and sides provided
has been in the form of tarpaulin. In one instance, despite repeated warnings,
proceedings for failure to carry out screening properly became necessary, and the
magistrate, after making a personal inspection with the Medical Officer of Health,
imposed a fine of £10 with costs amounting to £10 10s. The fact that the
requirement of the regulations as to notification of intention to slaughter had been
complied with has already been noted.
C.—SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS.
The total number of samples taken under these Acts was 1,040.
Of this number 9 were reported by the analyst as being below standard or not
of the nature, substance and quality demanded by the purchaser. This gives a
percentage of adulteration of .86 per cent., which is lower than that for 1924, when
it was 1.4.
The method adopted in connection with the taking of samples was similar to
that followed in previous years and described in former reports.
The majority were "formal" samples, and in carrying out the sampling, the
inspector was almost invariably assisted by an agent.
The bulk of the samples taken were of milk and dairy produce. Reference has
already been made to the case in which a prosecution was instituted.
The following Tables and Report from the Public Analyst, Mr. J. F. F.
Rowland, give full information with regard to samples submitted to and examined
by him :—