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56
SECTION E.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOODS.
INSPECTIONS.
A total of 2,101 visits were paid to premises where food is
stored, prepared or from which it is sold. 367 defects were found
and in 265 instances, the attention of the persons concerned was
called to deficiencies, either verbally or in writing. 209 written
intimations were sent in this connection.
FOOD HYGIENE REGULATIONS, 1955.
These Regulations became fully effective during 1956. The
great majority of the 531 premises concerned were visited. This
has taken a greater proportion of the Public Health Inspectors'
time than any other single item during the year. Much time was
devoted to explaining in detail the Regulations, and the reasons
for them, to shop keepers and their staffs. It was gratifying to
note that the work carried out in the past few years in persuading
proprietors to bring their premises up-to-date, had resulted in some
provisions of the Regulations having been anticipated. Particularly
so was this the case in connection with constant hot water supply
and washing facilities.
Where premises were found to fall short of the new requirements
all possible advice has been given to owners and occupiers
to meet their commitments.
Certain items in the new Regulations are not sufficiently
explicit. Thus, the provisions of sinks for washing equipment is
open to doubt in certain cases, whilst differing opinions have been
expressed in connection with the covering of benches on which
bacon, etc. is cut, and on the precise steps necessary to prevent
contamination of open food.
So far as possible a high standard is being asked for and it is
hoped that the position will be clarified when the Ministry issues
the promised Codes of Practice.
FOOD COMPLAINTS.
A total of 31 complaints were received from purchasers
regarding the alleged quality or the presence of impurities, in food.
A great deal of detailed work is necessary in each of these
cases in order to trace the foodstuff to its original source and to
ascertain at which stage the trouble arose.