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INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
THE FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955.
The Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955.
These regulations set the standard of food hygiene required in
all food premises and by all food handlers and there is no doubt
that their introduction in 1956 coupled with the publicity that has
been given to the subject in recent years, has had a very beneficial
effect on the manner in which food is now handled.
The progressive food trader has been quick to recognise the
sales value of a high standard of food hygiene and the public are
becoming more discerning and appreciative of such enterprise. A
further indication of the public's interest in the subject is the
number of complaints received in respect of contaminated food
and/or containers. During the year, 22 such cases were thoroughly
investigated and the necessary representations made where
necessary.
The high incidence of food poisoning in post war years is
another factor that stimulates the desire by Local Health Authorities
to obtain yet better standards. The Public Health Inspectors
continue to press for improved equipment and better facilities
where considered necessary, in addition to normal maintenance
requirements, and every effort is made also to ensure that new
food shops and alterations to existing premises comply with the
structural requirements of the regulations.
The extent of these works will be seen in the tabular statement
of work carried out at these premises.
Advisory work is also carried out by the Inspectors and the
bacteriological examination of food and equipment is a method
used extensively in assessing Clean Food standards. During the
year 70 swabs were taken from 353 items of washed crockery and
glassware.
Further details of food sampling are recorded elsewhere in
this report.
The register of premises coming within the scope of the Food
Hygiene Regulations at present includes the following :—
Confectioners 58
Butchers 30
Fishmongers (wet and dry) 13
Fishmongers (fried) 6
Bakers 22
Greengrocers and Fruiterers 43
Cafes and Restaurants 41
Grocers 73
Chemists 18
Licensed premises 30
Hospitals. Nursing Homes, Guest Houses
Hotels 14
Canteens, Clubs, Halls, etc 47
Schools 46
40