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were made to food premises of all types, including stalls in the openair
market. There are twelve food stall-holders trading regularly
in the Market. These are, five dealing in fruit and vegetables, two
pre-packed groceries, two wet and dry fish, one fresh meat, one
sweet confectionery, and one refreshment. The Regulations
respecting stalls were enforced, but these are less stringent than
those applying to permanent premises.
Co-operation with the local Hospital Management Committee
was continued in maintaining hospital kitchens at the standard set
by the Regulations.
Two new factory canteens were erected during the year to
replace less satisfactory premises, and another, additional to existing
arrangements, was completed. Plans for four others were advanced
and work commenced on them during the year.
The Women's Voluntary Service converted and equipped a
room at its premises in the Borough for the preparation and cooking
of " meals-on-wheels " for elderly folk.
Improvements of a general character were carried out in
thirty-five food premises. As during previous years, protection of
food on display by refrigeration continued to increase. The importance
of this form of display and protection is being increasingly
appreciated by many food traders.
Amongst the many complaints investigated were those about
food and drink containing articles such as dirt, part of a cigarette,
glass, string, mould, and larvae, pupae and adult insects. Complaints
about discolouration and abnormal smells and taste of foodstuffs
were also investigated.
Proceedings were instituted against an ice-cream vendor in
respect of contraventions of the Regulations committed whilst
selling ice-cream from a van as a result of which a conviction was
secured resulting in a fine of £40, plus £2 2. Od. costs.
Proceedings were instituted against the proprietors of a cafe
in the Borough in respect of various offences against the Regulations
which were committed on the premises. A conviction was secured
resulting in a fine of £100, plus £5 5s. 0d. costs.
These premises were later found to have been abandoned and
locked up, and unused food had been left exposed, resulting in the
breeding of a very large number of blowflies. As entry to the
premises could not be obtained, insecticidal powder was pumped
under pressure through the letter-box, and when entry to the premises
was effected, the flies were swept up and found to be sufficient
to fill a fairly large cardboard carton.