View report page

23
Nineteen samples of ice cream were examined bacteriologically. Of these, twelve passed the
methylene blue test and seven fell into grades 3 or 4, which cannot be considered as satisfactory.
The question of these latter samples was in each case taken up with the manufacturers either direct
or through the medical officer of health of the district in which the factory was situated.
Ten samples submitted to the Public Analyst were all returned as genuine. The results of the
analyses are indicated in Table 10.

The Food Standards (Ice Cream) Order, 1951, provides that, except where ice cream contains
fruit and "Parev" (Kosher) ice, ice cream shall contain not less than 5 per cent. fat, 10 per cent,
sugar and 7½ per cent. milk solids other than fat. Although the standard as set out is low, it is a step
in the right direction which may eventually lead to further improvement.
Preserved Food.—There were 111 shops, etc., on the register of premises approved for the preparation
or manufacture of preserved foods (sausages mainly) intended for sale, and 186 inspections were made.
The Meat Products and Canned Meat (Amendment No. 2) Order, 1951, which came into operation
on the 14th June, 1951, restricted the use of milk powder in sausages to "skimmed milk powder " ;
permitted whale meat to be mixed with other meats provided that the product is labelled and sold
as a whale meat product; and freed meat paste from control both as regards price and composition.
Fried Fish Vendors and Fish Curers.—Eleven premises are used by vendors of fried fish and one by a
fish curer. Twenty-eight inspections of fried fish shops and 16 inspections of the fish curer's premises
were carried out. One notice was served in respect of a fried fish shop.
Bakehouses.—There are 14 basement bakehouses on the register; 94 inspections were made, and seven
bakehouses were cleansed and re-decorated after informal notice.
Legal proceedings were instituted under the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, against three different
firms of bakers. In one case, where a loaf of bread supplied to a customer had been found to contain
a metal rivet, the defendants were fined £15 0s. 0d. and £10 10s. 0d. costs. A second case concerned
the presence of a button in a loaf of bread sold ready sliced. In this instance the defendant company
were discharged on payment of £5 5s. 0d. costs to the Council. The third case arose from a complaint
about a custard tart containing a maggot. The baker pleaded guilty and the magistrate imposed a
fine of £4 and awarded £4 4s. Od. costs to the Council.
Restaurants, etc.—Premises in which meals are provided or food is sold already cooked or is prepared
for sale numbered 834, including 230 restaurants, 60 snack bars, 2 railway refreshment rooms, 56
hotels, 339 staff and club canteens, 120 public houses, 12 other licensed catering establishments,
23 school and nursery canteens, and 4 coffee stalls: 1,124 inspections were made and 27 notices served.
During the year the kitchens of 10 restaurants, 3 snack bars, 2 clubs, and 2 public houses were
completely reconstructed.
Legal proceedings were taken under section 13 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, against two caterers
in respect of the dirty condition of premises used for the preparation and cooking of food for sale to
the public. Fines respectively of £26 0s. 0d. and £15 0s. 0d. were imposed and costs awarded to the
Council. For serving horseflesh when beefsteak was demanded, another restaurant proprietor was
fined £7 0s. 0d. with £3 3s. 0d. costs.
Canteens at Government Premises.—Difficulties were encountered in the efficient conduct of the clean
food campaign by reason of the Council's inspectors being denied access to Government-sponsored
canteens. Representations were therefore made by the Council to the Ministers of Food and Health
with a view to the removal of these obstacles. A copy of the representations was forwarded to the
Postmaster General, who subsequently agreed to afford facilities for post office canteens in the Borough
to be visited by members of the Council's inspectorial staff.