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The two samples shown in the Table of " Certified " milk which upon bacteriological examination
proved to be below the standard contained in the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923, were
both obtained from the same producer, one being taken in the year 1924 and the other in 1925. The
Ministry of Health were in each instance communicated with and replies were received stating that
the Ministry were taking the matter up with the producer, and that no action on the part of the District
Council was necessary.
The Council not being satisfied when the second case occurred as to the action taken by the
Ministry, directed that the two local Members of Parliament should be made acquainted with all
particulars relative to the matter. As a result of the action taken by the Members, the Ministry
undertook to take up the question of the repeated failure of the producer to conform to the prescribed
bacteriological examination and the unsatisfactory state of affairs was not allowed to be continued.
Meat Inspection.—Willesden, owing to its close proximity to the Metropolis, depends almost
entirely upon the large London markets for its supply of meat. On an average not more than 12
bullocks and 80 sheep are killed weekly in the slaughter-houses in Willesden. This is relatively a
very small percentage of the total amount necessary for human consumption by a population of over
170,000 persons. |
The Inspectors of the Health Department visit the slaughter-houses as frequently as possible
upon the day and time set apart under the regulations for slaughtering. The carcases are examined
for evidence of disease, also the viscera and organs removed during the process of slaughtering.
Administration of the Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1924, as regards Stalls,
Shops, Stores and Vehicles.—The Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1924, came into operation
on the 1st April, 1925. The Council being desirous that the Regulations should be put into operation
with the minimum of inconvenience to the shop-keepers, a conference with the meat traders of Willesden
was called and held at the Town Hall, Dyne Road, Kilburn, on the 19th March, 1925. The Chairman
of the Council presided at the meeting. The conference was well attended, not less than one
hundred and thirty traders of Willesden being present.
The Regulations in detail were fully discussed, but it was evident from the traders' point of
view that Article 20 (5) was the one in which the greatest difficulty in administration was likely to
occur. The clause referred to is as follows :—
" (5) The occupier of any such room—
(a) shall take all such steps as may be reasonably necessary to guard against contamination
of the meat therein by flies and shall cause the meat to be so placed as to prevent mud,
filth or other contaminating substance being splashed or blown thereon ; "
It was generally admitted that shops for the sale of meat should have fixed glass fronts for
preventing contamination of meat in shops and stalls, and the following resolution was unanimously
passed:—
" That the meat traders in Willesden are prepared to fall in with the suggestions
contained in Articles 19 and 20, that all shops and stalls for the sale of meat should have
glass fronts, provided this is universal throughout the whole of the country, and that a
reasonable time is allowed for the necessary alterations to be made."
It was further decided that stalls should be treated in the same way as shops.
Since the date of the Conference, considerable improvements have been effected by many of
the traders in the shops where meat is exposed for sale. In several instances new glass fronts have
been provided and other improvements effected with a view of conforming with the provisions of the
Regulations, but there are still a few traders who expose their meat for sale without protection against
contamination.
Number of private slaughter-houses in use in the area at the dates mentioned :—

Inspection and Supervision of Other Foods.—Inspections were made of all the bakehouses
and other premises in the district where food is prepared.
The 58 bakehouses were all inspected twice during the year, and in 27 instances Notices were
served upon the proprietors drawing attention to contraventions of the Factory and Workshop Act.