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to the number of outbreaks reported in the years under discussion:-
1935 - 1938 - 137, 82, 94 and 156 respectively
1945 - 1948 - 422, 598, 765 and 964 "
November 10th 1949 - Mr, J, Morrison asked the Minister of Health to
what causes he attributes the recent increase in the cases of food
poisoning.
Mr. A, Bevan replied that no precise answer could be givem but
more information is being received, analysis of which may throw further
light on the causes of the increase, so far as concerns pre-war figures.
I should point out that the apparent increase is probably due largely
to increased information and investigation'.".
In view of these answers it is necessary that this subject should
be kept in proper perspective. Without doubt it is evident that the
general public are now more food-hygiene - conscious than ever before,
and much more can be done to raise the standard of hygiene in food
premises by the consuming public, than by hordes of Inspectors or Acts of
Parliament. The abuses are things we all know about, yet we tolerate
them, and unless these matters are reported they often go on, The
public should demand from the trader an alteration of any un - hygienic
method observed, and if their demands are not agreed to, take their
custom to the trader who adopts a better standard of hygiene, not forgetting
to advise the Local Authority of the alleged deficiencies.
This important branch of Public Health work in all its aspects
receives the ever - increasing attention of the officers of the Public
Health Department. Our Clean Food campaign is constant, regular and
systematic. During the year under review, the general standard of all
food premises has been raised and the continuance of the distribution of
Food Handlers' pamphlets ensures a constant means of disseminating
propaganda, in addition go the routine inspections made.
One important aspect of the regular inspection by the Sanitary
Inspector appointed for the inspection of Food Premises, has been the
provision of a constant supply of hot water in practically all Food
Handling premises in the Borough. In this connection a supply has been
provided in 142 new cases, and sinks have been installed in 28 premises
during 1949.
During the year the registers of premises used for the manufacture
and preparation of sausages and preserved foods, have been brought upto-date,
By a regular inspection of Food Handling premises, the
majority of these premises in the Borough comply with the standard laid
down by Section 13 of the Food & Drugs Act, 1938.
Steps have been taken to ensure that nothing but clean white paper,
or grease-proof paper, is allowed to come into contact with any food