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equipment etc., we were able to obtain the more satisfactory results
shown to be achieved in the later stages. Manufacturers A and G
ceased to manufacture mainly because the tests revealed that a
bacteriologically inferior article was continuously being produced. In
both cases, however, a Grade I sample was obtained which showed
that sufficient care and attention to hygienic detail will produce the
desired result ; but when Ice Cream sales are merely a side line this
attention is often lacking.
The Methylene Blue test is a negative one in that a bad result gives
no indication as to what stage in manufacture the contamination arises;
consequently a failure means that more careful attention has to be paid
to every stage of procedure, and the human factor must not be overlooked.
We have achieved improvement in some cases, not knowing
which particular factor had been responsible for previous failures. In
other cases insufficient care in equipment sterilisation was undoubtedly
the cause of failure. In one or two cases contamination was caused by
the metal server or scoop used to fill cones or wafers. These servers
usually stand in glasses of water, and it is not generally realised that this
water will, after an hour or so, become grossly contaminated. It has
frequently happened that a Grade I Ice Cream in the refrigerator
becomes a Grade 4 product by contact with the metal server. More
frequent changes of water or the addition of a sterilizing agent can put
the matter right.
Other samples taken were from vendors obtaining their supplies
from a manufacturer outside the Borough. The majority of these
samples were satisfactory, and no pathogenic organisms were cultivated.
Unsatisfactory results were immediately reported to the Borough Council
concerned.
The tests, although provisional, and having no statutory backing,
have been of immense value both to trader and officials, and have
generally enabled a finer article to be marketed.
It has not been necessary to make any special report on the
structure and cleanliness of premises used for manufacture for it has
been found that traders are fully alive to their responsibilities. Similar
comment may be made on premises used only for sale. The itinerant
vendor is a problem. In one instance, where we were fortunate enough
to make contact, it was necessary to draw attention to principles of
cleanliness, both with regard to the mobile van and the vendor. Others
seen have been quite satisfactory, but it is probable that all vendors
have not yet been contacted.
At the close of the year 116 premises and persons were registered
for the manufacture and/or sale of Ice Cream, and nine casual vendors,
trading from mobile vans, were also registered.
Meat Inspection—Slaughtering.
On only two occasions were animals slaughtered and dressed for
food. The carcases and offals of two pigs were passed as fit for human
consumption.
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