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adequate heat-treatment gave the following eminently
satisfactory results:—
Number of samples. Number unsatisfactory.
Methylene Blue test 27 -
Phosphatase 27 -
ICE-CREAM.
During the year 113 visits were made to ice-cream
premises, and 52 samples were taken for bacteriological
examination. I am glad to be able to report that no diseaseproducing
organisms were found in any of the samples.
The methylene blue test for cleanliness gives the following
fairly satisfactory results:—
Grade I 17
II 13
III 12
IV 10
In all cases where the results were unsatisfactory, the
matter was taken up with both the wholesaler and retailer
concerned. The question of the purity of ice-cream has been
tackled vigorously during the past year, with encouraging
results with regard to its safety. From the point of view
of its nutrient value, which is almost as important as its
purity, the present world shortage of fats has made it
impossible to make a legal minimum fat content, but it is
hoped that regulations will be made in the not too distant
future to cover this very important point.
There are 71 premises registered for the sale of ice-cream
in the district, but of these nearly half are not actually
selling it at the moment, and of the others, many only have
a monthly allocation which is very rapidly expended. This
accounts for the fact that the number of visits paid to
ice-cream vendors is not as great as would be expected
with 71 registrations. Four of these registered dealers are,
in addition, manufacturers of ice-cream.
RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, CANTEENS, ETC.
201 visits were made to these premises in the year, and
a special survey of all food handling and preparing places
was begun at the end of the year with the object of raising
the standard of hygiene and minimising the dangers of food
contamination and poisoning.
UNSOUND FOOD.
A total quantity of 6 tons 4 cwt. 2 qtrs. 26 lbs. of unsound
food was condemned in the course of the year. The traders
co-operated well and the food was surrendered voluntarily,
thus avoiding the necessity of prosecution. Where possible,
the condemned food, after suitable treatment, was used as
animal food, and the rest had to be destroyed. There will
be found in the Appendix a table of the foods found unfit
for human consumption.
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