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24
CLEAN FOOD
The Willesden Clean Food Guild has played an important part in improving the standards of cleanliness
in food handling in the district. It was formed in May, 1948, when it was known as the Willesden Hygienic
Food Committee; it was re-named the Willesden Clean Food Guild in July, 1950. The committee of the
Guild includes representatives of food traders and the Borough Council.
The Guild awards certificates free to traders who reach the standards prescribed in the Codes of
Practice and the Food Handling Byelaws, and these certificates are renewable annually.
The number of traders receiving certificates increased from 302 to 321 at the end of 1951 (Tables I
(A) and (B)). The number is not considered satisfactory, but it is higher than in most districts. 115 traders
display the Guild's window plaque of membership.
Improvements in Premises
The majority of the large number of contraventions of the Byelaws and the Food and Drugs Act
discovered in 1950 and 1951 have now been remedied (Tables II (A) and (B)); 160 traders were encouraged
to provide constant hot water (of the 312 outstanding total defects at the end of 1951, 126 were in respect of
the lack of constant hot water for washing). Only one trader was prosecuted for failing to comply with
section 13 of the Food and Drugs Act and he was fined £15 and £1 1s. 0d. costs. All the other traders
affected complied with the Act and Regulations after consultation with the Sanitary Inspectors.
Cafes and Restaurants
During the year a considerable amount of work has been carried out to raise the standards of hygiene
in cafes and restaurants. Cafes which had been in operation for years without water supply or drainage
have either closed or have now been supplied with main water, drainage, basins and sanitary accommodation.
During the year, among many other improvements, equipment for the supply of constant hot water was
supplied in 17 premises, defective walls were repaired in 12, 63 dirty walls and ceilings were cleansed and
redecorated, and five premises were provided with main drainage. The following are typical examples.
Examples of Improvements
One cafe, a "temporary structure," had been in existence for about 30 years and was without water,
drains, or means of heating. The proprietor sold the premises because he was unable to carry out the
necessary improvements. The new owners have modernised and equipped the premises with all the necessary
amenities and transformed what was previously a most unattractive and unhygienic place into one which
is both clean and attractive.
Another roadside cafe, a long established "temporary structure" without drainage or water supply,
was demolished and a new permanent cafe built. The premises were fitted and equipped to a satisfactory
standard and what was formerly a rat-ridden hovel is now a pleasant restaurant.
A restaurant with no provision for hot water, and with limited space, was most unhygienic. The proprietor
sold the premises and the new owner has repaired and redecorated the premises; he has
made structural alterations to provide a reasonably satisfactory kitchen and a serving counter, and has installed
new sinks with running hot water.
Much remains to be done before the standard of hygiene and cleanliness in eating places can be considered
satisfactory, but what has been achieved during the year brings this situation much nearer.
Education in Food Hygiene
Food hygiene education was continued during the year. Lectures illustrated by films, film strips and
models of bacteriological cultures have been given to meetings of traders, school children, women's organisations
and staffs of dairies and industrial canteens.
Three film shows were arranged during the year for food traders and their staffs. The films shown
were:—
" The Good Housewife in her Kitchen."
" Another Case of Poisoning."
" Town Rats."
" The Souring of Milk."
The attendances were:—
Harlesden Methodist Church Hall 110
(including about 80 members of a women's guild)
St. Luke's Church Hall, Kilburn 7
St. Catherine's Church Hall, Neasden 17
About 1,200 letters of invitation were sent out for the three meetings, placards were exhibited and
press announcements made, but the response was disappointing.
A "Clean Food" stand was arranged for the Social Services section of the Willesden Show, September
18th and 19th, 1951. The display consisted of specimens of contaminated foods, bacteriological cultures,
photographs of good and bad food handling habits and pamphlets dealing with food hygiene. It attracted
large numbers of people, particularly family groups and older school children eager to see the exhibits and to
ask questions of the person in charge.
A "Clean Food Guild" display, setting out the aims of the Guild, was exhibited at the Electricity showrooms
in the early months of the year.