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BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF OTHER FOODS
In addition to the bacteriological examination of particular types of foods referred
to in earlier paragraphs of this report, 85 samples of frozen seafoods of a wide variety
were submitted to the laboratory. The samples were from consignments imported into
the Borough and released from the Port of London without examination.
Articles of food submitted for bacteriological examination which were the subject
of consumer complaints numbered 2 but no harmful organisms were found.
A bacteriological examination of pet food sold in this Borough was made. 37 samples
of raw and processed food were obtained, of which 3 were unsatisfactory in that
pathogenic organisms were found. The traders were informed in each case so that
adequate precautions could be taken to prevent cross contamination from the raw food to
cooked or processed food and to the handlers.
FOOD COMPLAINTS
Food articles purchased by members of the public were the subject of 161 complaints
received by the Department and all were thoroughly investigated. 3 of the articles
were submitted to the Public Analyst for his opinion.
Complaints of particular interest included such articles as rubber in butter a
beetle (foreign in origin) in a tin of imported spaghetti, a metal nut in ice cream,
lead pellet in can of evaporated milk and a loaf of bread with a cigarette end and
another with a matchstick.
Prosecutions were taken in 17 cases, 16 of which were successful, fines ranging from
£5 to £25 being imposed and totalling £247 with £101.7.0d. costs to the Council.
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