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New meat inspection Regulations came into force in October, 1963. The main
provisions are (a) meat at slaughterhouses must be inspected, (b) meat must not be
removed from the slaughterhouse until it has been inspected, (c) meat inspected
and passed as fit for human consumption must be marked with an official mark,
(d) local authorities may charge for the inspection, (e) the minimum period of notice
of slaughter is extended from 3 hours to 24 hours. In addition, new standard procedures
for meat inspection are also introduced.
Complaints
Eleven complaints were received about dirty milk bottles and 16 cases were
reported alleging the presence of foreign material in foodstuff. Foodstuff thought to
be unsound was referred for opinion in 23 instances. Of the latter, one can of food
was spoiled because of damage to the container; in one case, fish not placed in a
refrigerator was consequently spoiled. Investigation showed that in 11 cases failure
by shopkeepers to sell perishable stock in rotation was the cause of loss of quality.
These cases were dealt with informally.
In 10 instances, examination and enquiry showed that the complainants' fears were
groundless.
One case standing over from 1963 concerning a pin in a loaf of bread was brought
before the Magistrates in February, and the defendant firm conditionally discharged
upon payment of 10 guineas costs.
One notes with disquiet an increase over the very low figure of 1963 in the
number of complaints about dirty milk bottles. So long as the public continues to
misuse empty bottles, the problem will remain. One can only hope that the advent
of disposable containers will be hastened. In the meantime the rinsing of empty bottles
and their immediate return to the milk suppliers would help prevent the risk of bottles
not thoroughly cleansed being recirculated.
In cases of foreign material in food there is often difficulty in establishing responsibility
or in producing satisfactory evidence to show when or where the material complained
of was introduced into the article. Bearing in mind the vast amount of
packaged and factory fashioned food sold, the number of complaints is small.
Statistical Tables—see pages 64-66.
INSPECTIONS AND COMPLAINTS
The public health inspectors have made 21,995 visits to houses, business and
industrial premises and places in which food is handled. As a result numerous
defects and shortcomings were found. In consequence 333 informal and 10 statutory
notices were served, resulting in repairs and improvements being carried out. In no
case was it necessary for the Council to take legal proceedings or carry out work in
default of owners.
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