View report page

36
Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923.—Under this Order
90 licences were granted during the year, 15 for the sale of Certified
Milk, 23 for Grade A (Tuberculin Tested) Milk, and 52 for Pasteurised
Milk.
Three samples of Pasteurised Milk were taken for bacteriological
examination. In all of them the results came within the
standard laid down by the Order.
Twenty-five samples of ordinary unclassified milk were
examined for general bacterial count. Fourteen of these were
found to contain over 200,000 bacteria per cubic centimetre, the
maximum being 4,600,000. The attention of the vendors was
drawn to the condition of the milk and advice was given to exercise
more care in the sterilisation of milk utensils. The advice apparently
was of value for further samples gave a more satisfactory result.
Twelve samples of ordinary milk were submitted to biological
examination at the Lister Institute for the presence of tubercle
bacilli, but in no case were these bacilli found.
The attention given in recent years to improving the methods
of milk distribution has resulted in a high standard of equipment
and management. All those premises which are not simply distributing
centres have been fitted with steam boilers for the production
of steam necessary for the sterilisation of all bottles and
utensils. During the past year one dairy was equipped with a bottle
washing apparatus with final steam jets and another was provided
with a steam sterilising cabinet, these being the two exceptions
mentioned in the previous report where proper sterilisation of the
bottles was not carried out.
The practice of insisting upon proper storage of the milk in
general stores has been continued, and all those premises registered
for the sale of milk in sealed receptacles only have been provided
with insulated containers in which to store the milk. By this
means milk delivered at a low temperature keeps well even during
the warmest weather.
Endeavours to abolish counter pans have met with complete
success, there being none now in use in the Borough.