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number of loaves baked in this manner, and the need for constant lubrication of moving
parts, it is perhaps not surprising that an occasional loaf becomes contaminated.
However, to the unfortunate housewife to whom the loaf is delivered, the appearance of
black particles in the substance of a loaf of bread which may resemble grease, tar, or
even rodent excreta, is disturbing, and is usually sufficient cause for complaint to
be made to the Public Health Department. It is only by the active co-operation of
members of the public that cases such as these can be investigated.
Foreign matter of a more serious nature, including cigarette ends, an insect,
mouse excreta and pieces of metal were discovered in the remainder of the food items
submitted for examination, and 4 successful prosecutions were instituted, warning
letters sent in 8 instances and two cases were noted by the Public Health Committee.
At the request of the Public Health Committee, its Chairman, the Town Clerk, the Medical
Officer of Health and the Chief Public Health Inspector interviewed the chief officers
of a large bakery company in connection with problems of food delivered and storage in
the Borough.
A total of 133 samples of food and drugs of all kinds was taken for submission to
the Public Analyst for chemical examination, and 93 bacteriological samples were
examined by the Public Health Laboratories. Of the bacteriological samples, 55 were in
connection with imported desiccated coconut, some of which upon examination were found
to be infected with salmonella food poisoning organisms, which necessitated the
destruction of supplies at bakers premises within the Borough. Only two unsatisfactory
chemical reports were received from the Public Analyst during the year. These concerned
samples of luncheon meat loaf which, in the opinion of the Analyst, had a low meat
content, and instant coffee, which contained a small amount of preservative, contrary
to the Public Health (Preservative etc. in Pood) Regulations. In view of the fact that
the standard for luncheon meat loaf was being considered by a Joint Committee of the
Association of Public Analysts and the Pood Manufacturers Federation, the Committee
decided on no further action in this case, while in regard to the instant coffee,
representations to the company concerned resulted in the method of manufacture being
so altered as to eliminate any further trace of preservative.
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, Orders and Regulations. Full details are also given of inspections,
notices, sampling, 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
by officers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and partly by officers
of County Councils and Local Sanitary Authorities. In Leyton, Public Health Inspectors
are the authorised officers under the various Acts and Orders.
The Diseases of Animals Acts and Orders deal generally with the prevention and
control of outbreaks of scheduled diseases, and protection of animals against unnecessary
suffering.
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