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The unsatisfactory samples were investigated and found to be apparently due to the necessary
high temperatures not being maintained in one washing machine. Baffles were designed and fitted to
overcome this with the result that subsequent samples were very satisfactory.
During the year three complaints of bottles not having been "in a proper state of thorough cleanliness"
before being filled with milk were dealt with.
One complaint referred to dark staining on the inside of the bottle delivered to a customer in
Hendon but bottled outside the Borough. The complaint was referred to the local authority in whose area
the bottling estblishment was situated who decided to take no action in the matter.
A second complaint referred to some very small traces of mortar on the inside of a bottle. The matter
was considered by the Public Health Committee and it was decided to send a warning letter to the Dairy
Company concerned.
The third related to a bottle of school milk which contained hardened cement on the bottom. It
was considered that the cement should have been seen by the scrutineer on the milk bottling machine and
legal proceedings were taken against the Dairy Company. A fine of £10 was imposed and the Council
awarded £6.6.0. costs.
Taking into account the vast number of bottles of milk delivered in the Borough in the course of a
year the number of complaints received was extremely small.
During the year six new registrations were made of distributors of milk from retail premises and
two were removed from the register, the sale of milk having been discontinued. The total number of registered
premises at the end of the year was accordingly 53, eleven being depots from which milk is
distributed by roundsmen and 42 being retail shops.
No matters of importance were found requiring attention at these during the year.
Routine sampling of milk is now carried out by Middlesex County Council.
ICE CREAM
At the end of the year there were 267 premises registered for the sale or manufacture of ice cream.
Twenty seven new registrations were made during the year, five registrations were transferred to new
occupiers and five registrations were revoked, the sale of ice cream having been discontinued.
Ice cream is also sold at several hotels, restaurants and cinemas. These premises are not subject to
registration.
126 samples of ice cream were taken and submitted to the Central Public Health Laboratory Service
for bacteriological examination and grading according to the Ministry of Health's Provisional Grading
Scheme, with the following results:—
Grades 1 and 2 are satisfactory.
Grade 3 calls for investigation of the methods of production and/or handling.
Grade 4 is unsatisfactorv.
Number of
Samples taken Results
Prepacked 45 Grade 1
5 Grade 2
1 Grade 3
Ice Lollies 3 Grade 1
Loose 34 Grade 1
12 Grade 2
7 Grade 3
7 Grade 4
Soft Ice 6 Grade 1
1 Grade 2
2 Grade 3
3 Grade 4
As in previous years, it was found that the bacteriological standard of prepacked ice cream and of
ice lollies is usually very high but that constant vigilance is required to maintain loose ice cream at a proper
standard
Whenever unsatisfactory sample results are received thorough investigation is necessary at all
stages from manufacturer to consumer to check where contamination or unsatisfactory storage is taking
place and to remedy it. Repeat samples are taken until a satisfactory standard is obtained and maintained.
Soft ice is made at a few retail premises in the Borough but the bulk of the ice cream sold in the
area is manufactured elsewhere.
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