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15
While there is close collaboration with the Ministry of Food, in
these matters, there is no change in the administration from the
point of view of the Ministry of Health and fhe Medical Officer of
Health and the Sanitary Inspectors remain the appropriate officers
for examining food as to its fitness for human consumption and for
instituting proceedings under the Public Health Act as occasion
arises.
Milk.
There are 17 Dairies registered in the Borough and these are
inspected throughout the year, and are kept in a satisfactory condition,
having regard to the type of premises.
Difficulty had been experienced with a large dairy for some
time, poor bacterial counts and complaints with regard to the unsatisfactory
state of the bottles—caps being found in the bottles,
etc. The facts were reported to the Health Committee, who invited
the dairy manager to appear before them to show cause and reason
why the dairy should not be removed from the Register. After due
hearing of the Dairy representatives, who agreed with the Committee
that if certain works and adaptations were carried out there
were good prospects for improved conditions generally, the
Committee permitted the Licence to be continued for a probationary
period on condition that the previously mentioned works could be
carried out. These things having been done, the Committee, on the
report of their officers, are now satisfied that the registration may
be continued.
32 samples of milk have been taken during the year for
bacteriological examination.
It was observed in 1942 that certain milk purveyors were
stacking crates of bottles of milk in unsuitable places on the public
footpath and elsewhere so that the roundsmen could have a central
place ,to replenish his delivery van. This was considered a very
objectionable system as the bottles were subjected to the varying
influences of the weather—in summer to the sun rays, in winter to
rain and winds—and also were liable to be fouled by dogs. In fact,
from the examination of one bottle the latter was no idle theory.
The purveyor of milk, on being informed of this objectionable
practice, discontinued it forthwith.
Slaughterhouses.
The Government controlled slaughterhouse has been inspected
throughout the year.