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similar refuse. In the past canned goods were delivered to the shops in wooden boxes and the boxes
subsequently found a ready market as firewood. Now, these foods are delivered in cardboard cartons
which, although collapsible, create a disposal problem often resulting in serious accumulations.
Of the complaints received alleging lack of hygiene at food shops, many concern fishmongers and
butchers with open-fronted shops or displays. Unfortunately, a recent legal decision has virtually
prevented effective action being taken in this regard as it would seem first to be necessary to prove
that there existed a risk of contamination injurious to public health—an almost impossible task.
The public are not concerned with legal intricacies and express dismay at the apparent inaction of
the health department upon what they consider to be a dangerous and unhygienic practice. It is
gratifying to report that one fishmonger who agreed to alter his shop to a closed-front, and acted
upon other recommendations made to him, wrote to say how much his trade had since increased and
how glad he was to have accepted such advice. However, it is hoped that the long awaited Codes of
Practice for specific trades will soon be issued and that these will assist local authorities in enforcing
legislation, which at present is proving difficult. In fairness to butchers, it must be stated that their
attitude towards the high standards required for their shops is largely conditioned by the apparent
disregard for hygiene which they witness at the wholesale meat markets; particularly with regard
to home-killed meat which is unwrapped.
Food Stalls.
During the year food was sold from 101 licensed stalls in street markets in the Borough and frequent
inspections were made for compliance with the requirements relating to stalls in the Food Hygiene
Regulations and the London County Council Byelaws for the Protection of Food.
Basement Bakehouses.
Regular inspections were made of the three basement bakehouses remaining in the Borough. The
Food Hygiene Regulations require a more hygienic standard to be observed but it was felt that a
comprehensive survey should be left until the review of certificates of suitability in 1958.
Horseflesh.
Six visits were paid to the only shop in the Borough selling horseflesh for human food.
Slaughter of Animals.
There are in the Borough no slaughterhouses where animals are killed for human consumption
but there is a knacker's yard situated in the gardens of the Zoological Society of London. This
establishment is licensed by the Council for the slaughter of animals to provide food for the carnivores
in the menagerie. Six inspections were made during the year.
St. Marylebone Clean Food Association.
The Executive Committee of the Association (Chairman: Mr. D. W. Moeran, Hon. Secretary :
Mr. W. S. Moss, Hon. Treasurer : Mr. W. Bragg) have kindly provided the following information which
is extracted from their report for the year 1957/58:—
"Officers and Membership of the Committee.
(a) At the commencement of the year, Mr. D. W. Moeran, a member of the Association since
its inception, who has worked hard for its well-being and has held office, both as Hon. Secretary
and Hon. Treasurer, was elected to the Chairmanship of the Committee in place of the late Mr. Hale
and Mr. W. Bragg took over as Treasurer. We also welcomed two new members to the Committee,
Mr. D. Poynter, a Manager of a Dairy Company and Mr. P. Phillips, a Licensed Caterer.
(b) In November our Hon. Secretary disposed of his business and left the catering trade. He
therefore sent in his resignation, but our Chairman asked him to remain in office until the end of
the Association's year and this he has gladly done.
Membership of the Association.
The total number of members of the Association is now 166. Of these, 4 businesses to our knowledge
have changed hands and these premises are at present on probation for six months.
Publicity.
We acknowledge with thanks the notice which the local press have given to our Association from
time to time. We are also grateful to the Borough Council for allowing the continued use of a small
stick-on label on envelopes, bearing the slogan 'Insist on Clean Food,'