London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Beckenham 1956

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beckenham]

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Nuisances Remedied.
Structural defects of properties—external 304
internal 511
Insanitary conditions other than vermin 72
Verminous conditions 4
Choked drains 305
Other drainage defects 146
Defective sanitary appliances 71
Insufficient or unsuitable water supply 79
Absence of dustbin accommodation 16
Offensive accumulations 1
Food.
At the close of the year there were 505 premises concerned with
the preparation and the sale of food. The types of business are as
follows:—
Restaurants and Cafes (including Parks and Stations) 56
Greengrocers and Fruiterers 54
Butchers 46
Delicatessens 2
Grocers and Provision Merchants 103
Grocers and Dairies 9
Confectioners, Tobacconists, Newsagents, Stationers (including
Stations) 101
Fishmongers (Wet and Fried) 16
Fried Fish Shops only 5
Bakers 28
Wine and Spirit Merchants 16
Public Houses 17
Factory Canteens 31
Cafes, Bars, Sports Grounds 8
School Canteens 11
Hospital Canteens 2
Fifty-five (55) premises were registered under Section 60 of the
Beckenham Urban District Council Act, 1935, for the preparation of
potted and preserved foods.
Unsound Food.
During the year 13 complaints were received that food purchased
was unfit for human consumption, but in only six cases was this
substantiated. Full investigation followed, reports were furnished to
the Public Health Committee, and appropriate action taken. The
Committee did not consider it necessary in any case to recommend
the institution of legal proceedings against the Vendors or Manufacturers.
Food Shopkeepers frequently seek official aid in decisions regarding
the soundness or otherwise of food for human consumption
During 1956, 1 ton 12 cwts. of food was thus condemned and
destroyed as unfit for human consumption. This total weight included,
4 cwts. of meat (mainly imported beef), 2½ cwts. bacon, 1½ cwts. fish
8½ cwts. dried fruit. The remainder comprised canned foods unsound
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