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Only a small proportion is produced in the borough, due
largely to the absorption of land for building purposes and the
decreasing amount of available pasture land.
Dairies, milkshops and cowsheds have received continuous
inspection. In the case of dairies separate premises are required
for the storage of milk and also for the washing of utensils.
Alterations have been carried out to existing dairies in conformity
with modern practice.
Mechanical refrigeration and cooling is used by increasing
numbers of dairymen in the Borough as part of their equipment.
Enquiries show that approximately 20,679 gallons of milk
are sold daily in the Borough. Of this amount 93 per cent. is
bottled, just under 7 per cent. is loose, which is sold wholesale,
and the remaining small portion, being namely, 69 gallons, is
retailed as loose milk. These figures are interesting in view of
the fact that twelve 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.
Sterilised milk continues to be sold in the Borough.
Carton milk is sold in the Borough from three producers.
In addition, a local producer uses this method for part of his milk.
This method, which appears to be gaining favour, entirely eliminates
the bottle, the carton being destroyed after the milk is
removed.
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.
The majority of milk retailed in the Borough is uniformly of
excellent quality. The milk, however, sent in by the farmer to
the wholesalers continues to give trouble owing to the unnecessarily
high bacterial count, 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.