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2. Inspection and Supervision of Food
The inspection, sampling and supervision of foods in all its
phases, from the producer to the consumer, forms a very important
part of the duties of the health inspectorate in the protection
of the health of the public.
Various infectious diseases can be transmitted by foodstuffs.
Food poisoning and other intestinal illnesses can be caused by
the ingestion of foods that are either contaminated, are out of
condition, or badly processed.
It is, therefore, essential that all premises where foods are
processed, manufactured, prepared and sold are kept under constant
supervision in order to ensure that the food is handled and
stored in a proper manner and also that the premises and personnel
comply with the requirements of the Food Hygiene Regulations.
The various Acts, Regulations and Orders that are in existence
for controlling the processing, manufacture, composition, labelling,
storage and sale of food are far too numerous to list in
detail in this report, suffice it to say that they have been made
by the Government with a view to protecting the public in one
form or other. It is the inspectorate's duty to be conversant with
all this legislation and ensure that it is complied with.
(i) Registration of Milk Distributors
All dairies and distributors of milk must be registered with
the local authority under the Milk (General) Regulations, 1959.
Premises must comply with the conditions laid down in the regulations,
and the local authority have power to revoke or cancel
a registration for certain non-compliance of the Regulations. At
the end of the year 72 firms were on the Council's register as
Retailers or Distributors.
Licensing of Milk Dealers
As Romford is a specified area, where only designated milk
may be sold, all retailers must be licensed under the Milk (Special
Designation) Regulations, 1963.
The Licensing authority under these Regulations is the Food
and Drugs Authority. Therefore, as Romford is a Food and
Drugs Authority, the Council is responsible for the enforcement
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