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in which the milk is produced, and the product is subjected to specific
examination regarding its keeping quality, which provides an indication
as to whether or not the conditions of cleanliness necessary have been
observed.
Unsound Food.
Reference has already been made to the one case where it was
considered necessary formally to seize unsound food. Many tons of
unsound food are surrendered annually by Food Vendors in the area,
and its proper disposal is supervised by the Inspectors.
A few instances of milk delivered in dirty bottles were again brought
to our notice, but in no case was there evidence of wilful neglect, and
accordingly no prosecutions were instituted.
Other complaints related to bread, cakes, sweets, etc., contaminated
by foreign matter. In no case, however, was the contamination harmful
or injurious to health, nor was there evidence of wilful neglect.
The Welfare Officer of a local factory submitted a sample of meat,
which a canteen user alleged was horse flesh, and not beef as stated.
From superficial examination the Inspector was satisfied that the meat
was, in fact, beef, but because of the vehement nature of the complaint
the meat was subjected to chemical analysis. The Analyst reported—
" The fat of this meat has the chemical characteristics of beef fat."
Specimens of decomposing meat or poultry are quite frequently
submitted to us by a purchaser, demanding action against the Vendor.
We are rarely able to take action because the time lag between purchase
and inspection is often as much as 48 hours or more, and we cannot
proceed on the allegation that the commodity was decomposing at the
time of purchase.
A sample of savoury sausage submitted was alleged to contain rat
or mouse hair. Analysis showed it to be cow's hair, which should, of
course, have been removed at the time of slaughter. The consumer,
expressing appreciation for our assurances in the matter, thanked us for
"restoring my wife's stomach to normality !"
Noise Nuisances.
Occasional complaints are received regarding nuisances caused by
mechanised installation in business premises. There is no general power
conferred upon local Authorities (outside London) to deal with nuisances
arising as a result of noise from industry, but all firms approached were
most co-operative and all steps reasonably practicable to overcome the
nuisance were taken.
School Sanitation.
It is necessaary to express concern regarding the maintenance and
use of some school sanitary conveniences. Many of our school buildings
are so old and the type of sanitary installation so out of date and beyond
renovation, that one looks forward eagerly to the installation of the
accommodation required in School buildings by the Education Act,
1944. An enormous and ever growing amount of public money is spent
annually on health education, and yet scant attention appears to be paid
to instilling into the minds of our children the elementary rules of personal
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