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THE FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955.
THE FOOD HYGIENE REGULATIONS, 1955.
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, but the passage of the above mentioned
legislation, which came into force on 1st January, 1956 gave
a new impetus to food hygiene generally.
The Food and Drugs Act, 1955 is a consolidating and amending
Act and one of its chief contributions is that it provided 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. This is very useful as permitting relatively quick
adaptation in the light of new knowledge and changing circumstances.
The Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955, were the first contribution
in the exercise of these powers and set a new standard in the
control of food preparation and sale. All places where food is
handled come within their scope, including canteens, clubs, schools,
hospitals, etc., whether carried on for profit or not.
In 1956 the Chief Public Health Inspector reported 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."
"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 working hours, and the prohibition of smoking
are new requirements to which particular attention is given."
In respect of 1957, the Chief Public Health Inspector reports:-
"The survey of all food premises continued during the
year. This further drive to obtain a higher standard of Food
Hygiene in such premises has met with a good response."
"An indication of the public interest in the subject is the
number of complaints received in respect of contaminated
food and/or containers. During the year, 12 cases of this
nature were fully investigated and the necessary representations
made in each case. Individual cases are reported to the
Public Health Committee with a view to statutory proceedings
if the circumstances merit such action."
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