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Food: Fitness for Human Consumption
Frequent samples are taken of cooked meats, pies, cream buns, etc. for bacteriological examinations
by the Central Public Health Laboratories at Colindale. The follow up of cases giving less than satisfactory
results has often brought about a marked improvement in the equipment provided at the food premises and
the attitude of food handlers involved.
Specimens of food are submitted to the Department by purchasers who consider that the foodstuffs
are unsatisfactory for various reasons. These include the presence of mould, evidence of decomposition
and the presence of foreign matter. A thorough investigation is made in each case and if necessary the
food is also submitted to the Public Analyst and/or the Central Public Health Laboratories. Reports are
prepared and where appropriate legal proceedings instituted.
A considerable amount of food, mainly tinned foods, is submitted to the Department by shopkeepers
and wholesalers for condemnation. After inspection by the public health inspector the food, if considered
unfit for human consumption, is collected and destroyed and a certificate issued to this effect.
The following table shows the food complaints which have been received from members of the public
during 1966 and the action which was considered necessary.