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inspection has taken place in the Borough, There are two large imported food warehouses in
the Borough and a few smaller ones taking in special commodities e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables,
meat, etc. The main sources from which the food arrives here are Italy, Spain, Canada, Israel
and Ireland.
During the year 159 samples of Imported Food were taken and submitted for examination
by the Public Analyst, the results are included in the paragraph on Food Sampling.
Bacteriological Examination of Food and Water
Arrangements exist with the Public Health Laboratory Service at Preston Hall near Maidstone
to carry out bacteriological examination of certain samples and the following table shows the
number of routine samples submitted.
Water 6
Water (Swimming Pools) 143
Ice Cream 48
Milk 24
One sample of swimming bath water, one of milk and two of ice cream were reported
as unsatisfactory. Repeat samples were reported on favourably and investigations showed no
problems.
Food Complaints
Some persons who have purchased food which is in their opinion unsuitable for consumption
have during the course of the year complained to the department and the following table shows
the number of such complaints and the number of special samples submitted to the Public
Analyst.
No. of
Complaints Investigated
95
No. of Special Samples
submitted to Public Analyst
20
The number of complaints received was lower than in 1970. Bread, Milk and meat products
continue to be the foods most complained of.
Insufficient attention to stock rotation at the retail outlet was responsible for many of
the complaints.
Prosecutions in six cases, were successfully taken to Court. The offences were varied —
wire in yoghurt, glass in milk bottle, metal in cake, unfit ham, dirty milk bottles, and mouldy
cheese cake. Fines and costs for these offences totalled £171.
In the cases where the complaints were of a minor nature or where the complainants were
not willing for formal action to be taken then informal action has been taken in conjunction
with the retailers, distributors or manufacturers as the case may be.
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