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67
Mechanical refrigeration and cooling is used by increasing
numbers of dairymen in the Borough as part of their equipment.
Enquiries show that approximately 18,332 gallons of milk are
sold daily in the Borough. Of this amount 92% is bottled, 5.5% is
retailed as loose milk, the remaining 2.5% being sold wholesale to
large consumers. These figures are interesting in view of the fact
that eight years ago the whole of the milk sold was distributed
loose. The sale of this type of milk, whether in shops or on the
rounds, is discouraged.
Of the total milk sold daily in the Borough, 13,380 gallons is
graded milk, this being an increase of 3,395 gallons daily, as compared
with the figures for 1930. This latter figure is extremely
gratifying and draws attention to the remarkable changes which
have taken place in the treatment and distribution of our milk
supplies.
Sterilised milk continues to be sold in the Borough.
A recent innovation is the introduction of milk sold in waxed
cartons, this method ensures that by ingenious machinery the carton
is made and filled with milk and delivered ready sealed. During
this operation it is untouched by hand. This method entirely
eliminates the costly bottle and it will be interesting to watch the
progress of this new method of distribution.
Large numbers of samples have been obtained both for chemical
and bacteriological analysis during the year. When a sample of
milk is not up to a reasonable standard of bacterial purity the
supplier, whether retailer or producer, is notified. At the same
time he is invited to interview the Chief Sanitary Inspector. The
methods of production and distribution are discussed and suggestions
made, these when adopted have produced excellent results.
Whilst the milk distributed in the borough is uniformly of
excellent quality there remains the fact that a very large amount of
the milk as produced on the farms shows contamination which is
entirely unnecessary. This low standard makes it necessary for the
vendors to provide and maintain elaborate and expensive plant to
elininate something which should be kept out at the source.