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24
During the period also meetings were held with the varied groups
of food traders throughout the district, at which after our views had
been given, questions were invited and a film, " Another Case of Food
Poisoning " was shown. The attendance at these meetings was disappointing
although the interest displayed by those who did attend was
gratifying.
The work of consolidating the intention of the Model Bye-Laws
was furthered by repeated visits of the Sanitary Inspectors and a Notice
dealing with the question of animals in food shops was drafted and
will be offered free to shopkeepers prepared prominently to exhibit it.
I feel that in this connection whilst dogs may—perhaps in some instances
because of their size and in others because of their habits—be regarded
as not being worthy of free circulation or even entry to shops, I think
that to single out only dogs is unreasonable. Cats are, I consider, by
no means free from possible suspicion and they are undoubtedly far
too often allowed far too intimate a run of food premises. The problem
of course is weighted not only by the animals concerned but by their
habits and possibly most important by the degree of commonsense
exercised by their owners.
There is nothing much new to be said upon the subject of food
hygiene. The three main influences upon the matter are—in order of
importance—(1) the outlook of the consumer—since the vendor is far
more likely to be convinced by the reaction to his practices of a buyer
with consequent reflection upon his trade than by other means; (2)
as a matter of detail the degree of personal care devoted by each individual
concerned to the hygiene of the matter, and (3) the influence which
we ,in the Public Health Department, are permitted to exercise by
ensuring observance with the various laws and Bve-Laws. This is
mainly done through our system of repeated inspections. In brief,
the consumer can set the standard.
We have ,during the year, attained an appreciable measure of
success in securing the supply of running hot water in food shops. This
is clearly of the highest importance in securing the requisite standards
of personal hygiene.
Our visits to local schools have been continued and a constant
liaison maintained with the Divisional Executive Education Officer.
Our mutual efforts have, I think, improved the standard of practice
to our mutual advantage.
Milk.
The Council favoured our inclusion as an area under Section 23
Food and Drugs (Milk Dairies and Artificial Cream) Act, 1950, within
which the use of a special designation shall be obligatory for the purpose
of all sales of milk by retail for human consumption. We did not,
however, form part of the area finally planned but it was hoped to include
us in an early subsequent such area.
Our local pasteurisation or Heat Treatment plants are kept under
review and frequent tests are made. The results are, in general, satisfactory.
Intricate processes are subject to unavoidable failure through
both mechanical and human error. Every step must be taken to ensure
that both are recognised.
The views of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries were sought
on the visiting of local dairy farms under the Food and Drugs (Milk