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ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL ACT, 1952—SECTION 103
This section which deals with the registration of hawkers of
food has been in force since 1st April, 1953. During the year under
review seven new applications for registration had been granted.
MILK DISTRIBUTORS
There are ten milk distributors with 18 registered dairy premises
in the Borough.
In addition, 150 shopkeepers are registered for the sale of milk
in sealed containers.
MILK (SPECIAL DESIGNATION) REGULATIONS, 1963, AS
AMENDED
The number of dealer's (pre-packed milk) licences in force at
the end of the year was as follows:—
Pasteurised 151
Sterilised 128
Ultra-heat Treated 8
Untreated 52
MILK SAMPLING
Two hundred and thirty-four samples of milk were taken during
the year and submitted to the bacteriologists for testing. Ten
of these failed the Methylene Blue Test for keeping quality. Thirtynine
of these samples were also examined for the presence of antibiotics
and in one case a positive reaction was obtained. Details
of this sample were passed to the Milk Production Officer of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Twenty-five samples of raw milk were examined (for the presence
of Brucella Abortus) all with negative results. Only a small
amount of raw milk is sold in the Borough but it must be emphasised
that this type of milk is a potential health hazard.
In addition to those mentioned above, 40 samples were submitted
to the Public Analyst for chemical analyses and found to be
satisfactory.
THE LIQUID EGG (PASTEURISED) REGULATIONS, 1963
There are no egg pasteurisation plants in the Borough and no
samples of liquid egg were submitted for the Alpha-Amylase test
during the year. I have no comment to make on the second year's
administration of these Regulations.
PESTICIDES AND TOXIC CHEMICALS IN FOOD
The Council agreed to participate in a national scheme organised
by the Association of Municipal Corporations for the sampling
and analysing of food to ascertain the presence of pesticides and
toxic chemicals from their use in agriculture and food storage. The
sampling would form part of our existing routine arrangements but
an additional 40 samples would be taken for this purpose only.
This action will surely be endorsed by all who are concerned with
pollution of food in any form.
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