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the stallholders, do not appreciate that they should be subjected
to this prohibition whilst the customer is not. Few people would
appear to appreciate that the reason for prohibiting the use of
tobacco, including snuff, whilst handling open food is that the
habit brings the fingers into close contact with the nose and mouth,
both possible reservoirs of food poisoning germs. The hands
may thus become contaminated and the contamination transferred
to the foodstuffs.
(viii) EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
In addition to the routine duties of inspections and observations,
the Public Health Inspectors continue to give talks and lectures
to local organisations and wherever possible great stress is
laid on food hygiene. At least once during the year a lecture is
given to staffs employed in school canteens.
Frequent lectures are also given on the general work of the
Health Department. These lectures are enhanced by the use
of coloured slides depicting the various aspects of the work.
(ix) LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The following cases were taken under the Food and Drugs
Act, 1955.
(a) Bandage found in a joint of rolled beef Fined £5.
(b) Mould growths in cake Fined £5.
(4) CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
(a) Smoke Control Areas
(i) The work of conversions and adaptations in the Romford No.
1 and No. 2 areas was completed during the year. These
areas covered some 899 acres and included 2,005 dwellings.
(ii) The survey for No. 3 area has been completed. When put
into operation it will cover an area of 723 acres and include
3,469 dwellings.
(b) Atmospheric Pollution
Romford is one of 120 towns that have agreed to co-operate
with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in a
National Survey. Five volumetric meter stations have been set
up within the Borough and daily recordings are assessed and the
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