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FOOD HYGIENE
During the year 2,094 visits were made to various food premises in
the district.
Some types of premises and trades require more frequent visits than
others and this fact is reflected in the figures for restaurants, snack
bars and butchers shops.
In my last two reports comment was made on the fact that although
the Food Hygiene Regulations have been in force since 1955 it was
still necessary to remind assistants in food premises of the necessity
of observing hygienic practices at all times when handling open food.
Two prosecutions were taken against food handlers for smoking
whilst handling open food and in each case fines of £10 were imposed
with £2 2s. Od. costs.
I am very glad to report that a number of shops are now exhibiting
notices requesting customers to refrain from smoking whilst in the
shop. Whilst expecting cleanly conditions behind the counter there
are members of the general public who are prepared to smoke close
to open food whilst waiting to be served. It is hoped the exhibiting
of such notices will become general practice.
The general improvement in food premises noted in my last report
has continued and the increasing popularity of the self-service store
has, no doubt, contributed to this.
MEAT PIES
During the year nine samples of meat pies of various kinds were
submitted for examination as a part of the national survey which is
being carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
on the composition of meat pies at present on the market.
The meat content of the samples taken were found to vary from
53.0 per cent to 18.8 per cent.
From the results obtained it would appear that the smaller pies had
the lowest meat content and that the price was not necessarily a guide
to the quality of the article.
It is hoped that as a result of this survey the Ministry will be in a
better position to consider a minimum meat content for the smaller
kind of meat pie for which these days there is a large demand.
MILK SUPPLY
Fifteen applications were received from dealers for Dealer's
(Pre-packed Milk) Licences under the Milk (Special Designation)
Regulations, 1960. Under these Regulations licences are now issued
for a period of five years instead of annually as heretofore and supplementary
licences are no longer necessary.
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