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32.
FOOD ADMINISTRATION (Contd.)
Food Hygiene.
Through the years, certain basic principles and procedures have been
developed for use in the application of food hygiene. It has long been realised
that people need good food for good health, and food spoilage can be the
product of poor hygiene.
The Food Hygiene Regulations illustrate proper steps to be taken to
minimise the potential hazards against which adequate safeguards must be taken
at all stages of preparation, distribution and sale.
It has not been found necessary to serve any informal or formal notices
for breaches of these Regulations; the hygiene standard in food premises in
the Borough in general has shown a steady improvement and is being maintained.
Through direct and indirect advice sought from and recommendations given
by the Food and Drugs Section, no less than six establishments have effected
such major improvements as will go to illustrate beyond doubt the effect of
the public health education resulting from regular routine visits and personal
contact.
The vexing problem of the traditional open shop front has not escaped the
attention of the Food and Drugs Section. The presence of stalls on the streets
which have shops adopting this practice is an instrumental factor that creates
this type of trading. The shopkeeper imagines that he is the victim of unfair
trading competition. Very little can be done to discontinue this practice
without specific legislation. However a keen watch was kept to see that
certain standards of hygiene were maintained.
Reference was made last year to the regrettable legal position in
relation to punishment for the offence of smoking whilst handling open food.
Difficulties in the field in connection with the administration of this
particular piece of legislation cannot be expected to be eased when support
is not forthcoming from the source from which it should.
Six instances of employees in food premises and food stalls found to be
smoking whilst handling open food were reported to the Public Health Committee.
In four cases warning letters were sent and the remaining two offenders were
prosecuted.
1 conditional discharge and costs £3. 3. 0d.
1 fined 10/- and costs 10/-
It is hoped that the resolution passed by the appropriate committee and
communicated to the Street Traders' Association whereby the Council reserve
the right to review the position regarding the renewal of the licence of any
street trader convicted on a second occasion of an offence which could render
the applicant unsuitable will have the desired effect.