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82
With regard to the retail shops which come within the scope
of the meat regulations, while many improvements have been carried
out in the premises, in some instances the open window
remains the problem. A number of traders have provided closed
windows to their shops, and there is no doubt that the appearance
of the meat and the cleanliness are enhanced by this method. Other
shopkeepers have apparently adopted a waiting attitude in regarii
to the closed window, and a further pronouncement by the
Ministry would appear necessary to bring them into line with
modern methods of exposing foodstuffs for sale. It is further I
desirable that similar precautions should be made compulsory in
regard to the wares on sale by greengrocers, fishmongers and other
similar traders.
The Croydon Corporation Act, 1924, contains useful powers
which deal with the inspection of foodstuffs in all its stages. Many
of the sections are similar to those contained in the Public Health
(Meat) Regulations which came into force on April 1st, 1925. One
notable exception is that while the Regulations refer to meat, the
Corporation Act includes any article, whether solid or liquid,
intended or adapted for the food of man and gives power to take
samples of any materials, commodities or articles of food on sale
or in preparation for sale in the manner prescribed under the Sale
of Food and Drugs Acts.
These additional powers have enabled the Corporation to
require improvements to be carried out in a large number of
premises, all of which have assisted towards the better conduct of
these businesses.
Hotel and cafe kitchens and eating houses also received increased
attention, and suggestions for improvement—including j
many structural alterations—were favourably received and adopted. .
The food in the course of preparation was also carefully inspected.
Bakehouses have been regularly inspected and many amend- j
ments carried out during the year. It is interesting to observe the |
increase in the amount of wrapped bread which is sold in the
Borough, and this could usefully be extended still further.
The manufacture or sale of ice-cream is carried on in 272
premises. Inspection of these places is made under the Croydon
Corporation Act, 1900, which contains provisions for the regulation
of the business. Much of this commodity is now wrapped in
hygienic covers at the source of manufacture.
I remises where cooked meats and other meat products arc
prepared and sold received frequent inspection, and careful