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made it necessary, in order to ensure uniformity in applying the new standards for the
Public Health Inspectorate to undertake a detailed survey of 1500 odd premises in the
Borough, comprising shops, factories, catering establishments, clubs, schools, staff and
factory canteens, stalls, etc., where food is prepared, stored, handled, transported or
sold.
In spite of staff difficulties, every effort has been made to continue with this
survey. Of the 2,250 visits to food premises made by Public Health Inspectorate during the
year, 298 were detailed inspections recorded on inspection cards specially designed and
introduced for the purpose and 160 notices in relation to contraventions of the Regulations
regarding provision of separate facilities for hand washing and for washing of food and
equipment, provision of hot and cold water. first aid kit. locker accommodation construction
and maintenance, etc., were served.
Although substantial progress has been made, the Chief Public Health Inspector was
obliged to report to the Public Health Committee in November of this year that because the
depleted staff of Public Health Inspectors were almost fully employed on dealing with com
plaints applications for certificates of disrepair and other matters which brook no delay,
the detailed survey of food premises had been seriously curtailed. The Committee were
informed that, in order to appreciate fully the implications of this situation insofar as
the administration of the Food Hygiene Regulations is concerned, it is necessary to take
into account the fact that the survey had so far resulted in the detailed inspection of
some 642 premises, and since its success in the terms of improvements effected as a result
of full compliance with notices served must depend largely on the ability of the staff to
carry out re inspections on a systematic basis, it means in effect that our requirements
are to some extent being nullified by lack of appropriate enforcement action.
The practical application of the new standards to the wide variety of food premises
has presented some difficulty, especially where business and domestic activities are com
bined. The occupier of a small shop may apply to the local authority for a certificate
exempting his premises from certain requirements because of restricted accommodation or
other special circumstances. No such applications have so far been received.
Taken by and large, food traders in the Borough have responded well in complying with
the statutory requirements, but it should be realised that the Pood Hygiene Regulations are
not wholly concerned with premises, apparatus and equipment., they also lay down requirements
in respect of the cleanliness of persons engaged in the handling of food and of their
clothing and habits.
Routine visits to the Council"s Pleasure Ground Lea Bridge Road, were made by Public
Health Inspectors during Easter. Whitsun and August Fairs. Food hawkers" stalls mobile
canteens, etc. were inspected and registrations checked. It is pleasing to report general
improvement in the standard of hygiene practised by food vendors. It appears that inspec
tions of the Pleasure Ground during Bank Holiday Fairs over the past years have had the
desired effect, both in regard to ensuring that all food vendors are registered with the
Council, and that trading is conducted in a hygienic manner.
Attention is drawn to the statistical section of the report which gives details in
tabular form of premises and businesses registered and/or licensed under the Food and Drugs
Act. 1955, and associated legislation. Full details are also given of inspections, notices,
legal proceedings and improvements effected to business premises as a result of action
taken by the Department.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACTS AND ORDERS
The administration of the law relating to diseases of animals is carried out partly
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