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12.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
All neat now supplied in the Borough comes from a distributing centre
at North Finchloy and excepting for speoial licences issued to Fig Clubs, no
local slaughtering is now taking place, Nevertheless, a careful supervision
has been maintained on food supplies ganerally and considerable quantities of
meat, fish, conned and other foods had to be condemned. In addition, careful
examination was made of all food damaged by enemy action with the result that
quantities were found unfit for human consumption and had to be withdrawn from
sale.
Particular attention has been given in order to secure cleanliness
of dairies and dairy farms and for protecting milk against contamination. The
largest pasteurisation plant in the County is situate in this Borough and is
licenced and supervised by this Authority.
Constant sampling is undertaken by the firm concerned in a Laboratory
attached to the premises and the records of the results are inspected by Offioers
of this Authority.
In addition, samples are taken for examination as to their Baotoriological oontent
and their reaction to the phosphatase test, this latter indicates whether or not
the milk has been adequately pasteurised.
Altogether a high standard was maintained, few samples failing to comply
with the requirements of the Milk (Special Designations) Order.
It should, however, be stated that a number of complaints were received
of milk being distributed in dirty bottles. This was in the main due to labour
difficulties, the blackout, and by bottles being used by oonsumers to contain
matters such as oil, which the oleansing process failed to remove. Repeated
representations were made to the Dealer concerned and every effort is being made
to improve these conditions.
WATER SUPPLIES.
In my last Report I indicated briefly the additional precautions being
taken by the Metropolitan Water Board and the Colne Valley Water Company to ensure
the purity of the water supplies, under conditions in which water mains might
reasonably be expected to suffer damage. The results of samples which are sent
to me periodically have been very satisfactory throughout. Samples were also
taken from two private wells in the district and from swimming baths,
These, in all cases, proved satisfactory.