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84
Mechanical refrigeration and cooling is used by increasing
numbers of dairymen in the Borough as part of their equipment.
Enquiries show that approximately 18,441 gallons of milk
are sold daily in the Borough. Of this amount 92.9% is bottled,
1.% is retailed as loose milk, the remaining 6.1% being sold
wholesale to large consumers. These figures are interesting in
view of the fact that ten 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, 13,061 gallons is
graded milk. This 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,
which entirely eliminates the costly bottle, appears to appeal to the
public, judging by the increasing amount which is being sold.
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.
It is interesting to note that the bacteriological examination
in all grades of milk shows a reduced total bacterial count on the
previous year, and the majority of milk distributed in the Borough
is uniformly of excellent quality. This, unfortunately, does not
apply to the milk as it is delivered by the farmer, which shows
unnecessarily high bacterial counts, etc. This low standard makes
it necessary for the vendors to provide and maintain elaborate
and expensive plant to eliminate something which should be kept
out at the source.