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"In several instances bread was found left on doorsteps and
window-sills unwrapped. In other cases roundsmen were found
smoking during the delivery of bread, and on occasions their hands
were seen to be dirty. It was also noted that the wearing of overalls
by roundsmen was rather the exception than the rule. The types
of vehicles used were, on the whole, satisfactory, but some of these
vehicles were found to be uncovered, thus exposing the bread to
atmospheric pollution.
''The facts relating to wrapped bread are illuminating. It would
appear that wrapped bread can be obtained if desired, although its
universal provision does not yet seem practicable.
''If the defects in the system of distribution noted above were
corrected, I am of opinion that the universal wrapping of bread,
while in itself very desirable, and to be encouraged, does not constitute
a Public Health necessity. If the bread is adequately protected
from atmospheric pollution and the roundsmen made to maintain
a reasonable state of cleanliness, especially as to hands, the chances
of the bread becoming infected would appear to be comparatively
slight."
As directed by the Committee, the Medical Officer of Health
communicated with all bread distributors in the Borough, asking
them to take all possible steps in the interests of Public Health to
obviate the defects in the distribution of bread referred to in the
report.
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