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infection and contamination, and the conveyance and distribution
of milk have been generally well observed.
Special attention has been given to cleanliness in all
operations connected with the production and handling of
milk, including the grooming of the cows.
Practically all the dairymen in the district now deliver
milk to their customers in bottles, and in this connection
it has become the practice of roundsmen and others to leave
empty bottles on the public footpath, in passages, and on
plots of vacant land. In these places the bottles become
contaminated by dogs, dust, etc., and although the bottles
are of course washed before being again used as milk containers,
it is nevertheless an objectionable practice, which
has increased considerably during the year under review.
The matter was considered by the Public Health Committee,
and an appropriate communication was sent to the dairymen
in the district, but the practice continues as heretofore.
One large dairy firm in the district has installed a large
plant for the handling and delivery of milk in paper containers
instead of bottles, and it is expected that this system
will be put into operation at an early date.
In another large dairy a new and improved plant has
been installed for the storage of milk in large glass-lined
tanks prior to being treated and bottled.
The veterinary inspection of the cows kept in the district
is carried out by the Middlesex County Council.
The Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923.
During the year 1928, 17 licences were granted by the
Council to dealers to sell designated milk as follows:—
"Certified," 7; "Grade A (Tuberculin Tested)," 5;
"Grade A," 3; and " Pasteurised," 2.
At the request of the Ministry of Health, sixteen
samples of "Certified" milk were obtained and delivered
in London for bacteriological examination. Four samples
of "Pasteurised" milk were also taken on behalf of the
Council. The following is a summary of the Bacteriologists'
reports upon these samples:—
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