View report page

THE FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955.
THE FOOD HYGIENE REGULATIONS, 1955.
While this District has always adopted a progressive attitude
to food hygiene, as witness the powers it obtained in its private
Act of 1937, and my previous Reports, the passage of the above
mentioned legislation, which came into force on 1st January, 1956,
has given a new impetus to food hygiene generally.
The Food and Drugs Act, 1955 is a consolidating and amending
Act and repeals a number of Acts formerly administered by
the Council, the most important being the Food and Drugs Act,
1938 and the Food and Drugs (Milk, Dairies and Artificial Cream)
Act, 1950. The law relating to food and drugs administration
has been amended considerably as a result.
The Act's provision of extended powers to enable the Ministers
concerned to make Regulations or Orders as to the composition,
labelling and description of food, food hygiene and the
registration of any food business of a specified class is very useful
as permitting relatively quick adaptation in the light of new
knowledge and changing circumstances.
The Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955, are a first contribution
in the exercise of these powers and set a new standard in the control
of food preparation and sale. The scope of the Regulations
is extended to include canteens, clubs, schools, hospitals, etc.,
whether carried on for profit or not, and thus brings in all places
where food is handled.
The Chief Public Health Inspector reports that "as a first
step in the enforcement of the new law, it was decided to carry out
a completely new survey of all premises to which the Regulations
apply. A start was made with catering premises, including clubs,
canteens and private schools".
"As a preliminary, the Council agreed to purchase for distribute
the persons concerned, 500 copies of an explanatory memorandum
summarising the principal requirements of the Food Hygiene
Regulations, and posters drawing attention to the principal requirements,
to be put up in food premises."
"The work of inspection and recording is still proceeding,
conditioned by other demands on the staff, but it can be said with
a sense of satisfaction that, generally, the approach has met with
a ready response and willingness to comply with the requirements.
A reasonable interpretation of the Regulations is being enforced,
having regard to the circumstances of each case."
"Apart from general requirements, particular attention is
being paid to the provision of adequate facilities for washing food
and equipment as distinct from hand washing facilities, with
adequate supplies of hot and cold water in each case."
"The provision of suitable and sufficient cupboard or locker
accommodation for staff clothing and footwear not worn during
47