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70
SECTION E.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOODS.
INSPECTIONS.
One is able to report a further improvement generally in
the construction of premises where food is prepared or stored
or from which it is sold. Not only do the Food Hygiene (General)
Regulations, although these are not without deficiencies, enforce
a good standard, but modern salesmanship demands clean and well
lit premises, at least in those sections to which the customer has
access. It is doubtful if these improvements in structure are always
equalled by similar advancement in care and hygiene practised by
those who prepare or sell the food. However, the tendency to
prepack goods increases apace and is to be commended. The
"turn-over" amongst food premises staff appears to be very considerable,
giving rise to difficulties in training.
During the year, 2,135 visits were paid to food premises. 225
defects were discovered and remedied after the service of 38 notices,
of which 32 were written.
FOOD COMPLAINTS.
The number of complaints received concerning the sale of food
containing extraneous matter or in a decomposd or mouldy condition
showed some decrease during the year, although they still
ran at a level which is far too high.
A considerable portion of the Committee's time is taken in
considering these complaints and the detailed investigations needed
to present a fair and complete report occupy the Inspectors in a
similar manner. Complainants must be questioned in detail as they
may be genuinely mistaken in their statements and a few may have
other motives. Shop keepers and food manufacturers must be
interviewed and their premises inspected to ascertain the point at
which the trouble arose. When necessary, the assistance of
Inspectors in areas where the food has been prepared or stored
must be called upon. Where prosecution is decided upon the
further task of preparing the case is involved.
Complaints received during the year amounted to 41 and they
may be classified as under:—
Milk 5
Bread and Flour confectionery (dirty, foreign
bodies, etc.) 20
Bread (mouldy) 1
Foreign articles (other than above) 4
Perishable articles (pies, sausages, etc.) 6
Miscellaneous 5