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work in them. Because of staff shortages it was not possible to maintain throughout the
year a regular and systematic inspection of all business premises. Nevertheless, 2,298
inspections were carried out 130 notices were served and 288 new registrations and/or
licences were dealt with. Attention is drawn to the statistical section (Part II) which
gives detailed information as to the Acts Orders and Regulations involved and the action
taken in relation thereto.
FOOD AND DRUGS, AND SHOPS ACTS ADMINISTRATION
The Council is the Food and Drugs Authority for the district and the Public Health
Inspectors are authorized under the Food and Drugs Act 1955 to procure samples of food
and drugs for chemical analysis or for bacteriological or other examinations.
216 samples of a variety of food and drugs were submitted to the Public Analyst for
chemical analysis. 14 adverse reports were received and reported to the Public Health
Committee, these related to 2 informal samples and 12 formal samples. Of the 2 unsatisfactory
reports received in respect of informal samples one was followed by a formal
sample while the other concerned a consignment of Lebanese apples contaminated with
arsenic and lead on the skins. In this case the retailer concerned was requested to treat
the whole of the consignment to ensure that all trace of the chemicals was removed; this
was done to the satisfaction of the Department. In respect of the reports received
concerning 12 formal samples, in 2 cases the Committee considered no further action was
justified. In one case concerning oranges contaminated with thiourea a further sample
proved satisfactory and in 8 cases warning letters were sent to the proprietors
concerned. Of these 3 were in connection with the sale and distribution of cream horns,
meringues and cornets in contravention of Section 47 (1) of the Food and Drugs Act,1955.
Under these provisions it is an offence for any person to sell or offer and/or expose
for sale, any substance which resembles cream in appearance but is not cream, under a
description or designation which includes the word cream. The Committee authorized legal
proceedings in one instance in connection with a sample of minced meat containing
preservative contrary to the Public Health (Preservatives in Food) Regulations, 1925/53.
As a result of these proceedings the Council were awarded 5 guineas costs.
The statistics in Part II give information as to food-stuffs in respect of which
condemnation certificates were issued as a result of routine inspections. In addition,
6 complaints regarding unsound and/or adulterated food were investigated by the Public
Health Inspectors. Of these the Committee resolved to send warning letters to the retailers
and/or manufacturers concerned in 4 instances and the remaining 2 cases were
noted with a resolve for no further action.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
PART II - STATISTICS
Reference has been made in the preceding paragraphs to the following tables and
charts giving details in tabular form of the action taken and visits made by the Public
Health Inspectorate pursuant to their statutory duties and responsibilities.
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