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30
It is satisfactory to report that co-operation between the
Sanitary Inspectors and the food traders generally has been good,
and in one case only has it been necessary, so far, to resort to legal
proceedings. This case was in the nature of a test case to decide
as to whether a kettle on a gas ring was a sufficient supply of hot
water within the meaning of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938. On
this occasion the Magistrates dismissed the case, but it is possible that
the new Food and Drugs legislation which is contemplated may
clarify this issue.
Much remains to be done in the work of improving food
premises, but the difficulty of obtaining building licences for the
less essential work may necessitate some delay in securing permanent
improvement on some of the premises where the age of the building
and the fact that the businesses have outgrown the existing accommodation,
necessitates a considerable amount of structural work
in order to bring the premises up to modern standards.
3. Food Hygiene Certificates.
During 1950 no premises in the Borough had fully complied
with the Council's requirements governing the issue of Certificates.
In 1951 14 certificates were awarded and this year 35 certificates
have been presented making a total of 49 since the scheme commenced.
There are a considerable number of food establishments in
the Borough which would now qualify for certificates were it not
for the difficulty of complying with the condition requiring staff
attendance at lectures. At several of these establishments some
members of the staff have attended, but there remain others, mostly
married women, who cannot be persuaded to attend. It is difficult
to see what further measures can be taken to encourage their
attendance.
4. Publicity.
Various methods have been adopted to publicise the scheme,
commencing with the Clean Food Exhibition which attracted an
attendance of 8,000 and an account of which was broadcast by
the B.B.C. Following the Exhibition a booklet was published by
the Council and distributed to all the food traders in the Borough.
This booklet has proved to be a very useful means of publicity
and we have had many requests for copies from other local authorities.
In the Spring of this year the Television Service of the B.B.C.
broadcast a Safe Food series in which they were assisted by officers
of the Ealing Borough Council. Later in the year a poster campaign
was embarked upon. This lasted for six months and whilst it is
difficult to assess the results of such a campaign, I think it certainly
had the effect of keeping the subject before the public.