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Nuisances abated, improvements effected,
defects remedied 2,179 4,382
Factories inspections 666 923
Dwellinghouses inspected for housing defects 1,830 4,524
Number of defective dwellinghouses rendered
fit in consequence of informal action 664 1,822
Inspections of food premises 1,930 4,814
Water examinations 11 106
Chlorine examination Swimming Baths — 81
3. The figures submitted in the Appendix, together with the
development shown in Paragraph 2 are an indication of the
constant endeavour to protect the food supply and the circumstances
under which food is handled and processed. The record
of food ascertained to be unsound and which was surrendered
must be amplified by pointing out that especially in the present
circumstances mere condemnation and destruction of food is not
enough; alternative uses must (be considered, for example, for
animal feeding or for industrial processes, while, in addition,
certain foodstuffs may (be re-processed and thus made fit for
human consumption. Knowledge of such processes is gradually
increasing and the Public Health Officer must keep himself up to
date regarding such possibilities. This means continual co-operation
and discussion between the Ministry's Salvage Officers and
the Sanitary Inspectors.
All of the Sanitary Inspectors attended a Course of lectures
and demonstrations which were given by Dr. Cruickshank and Dr.
Hobbs at the Central Pulblic Health Laboratory on Food Hygiene.
These courses are of inestimable value to Technical Officers, both
as a refresher course and from the point of view of acquiring
knowledge of the latest developments in food bacteriology. The
Manageresses of the school canteens and of a number of works
canteens also attended a some what similar course adapted to the
needs of the service which they represent. In addition to this
educational aspect, the Department collaborated with the Central
Public Health Laboratory by accompanying bacteriologists from
the Laboratory to canteen and cafe kitchens to study kitchen
practice and equipment and numerous bacteriological examinations
were made of rinse water, swabbings of crockery and cutlery, with
a view to collating the information obtained in connection with
research !being carried out in relation to Food Hygiene.
The Council have been anxious regarding ice cream, especially
in view of various epidemics during the year in other parts of
the country. Prior to the recent Ice Cream (Heat Treatment,
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