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all denials of the Beef Trust, and still feel convinced that the conditions under
which the packing industry was carried on in Chicago, were not only unsatisfactory,
but in some respects revolting in the extreme. More convincing than
the statements in the book concerning the utilization of diseased carcases, as
well as putrid and decomposing meat, were the strenuous efforts made by
the trust magnates to prevent an efficient inspection.
Pood is imported into London from all countries, and the responsibility of
inspection is divided between various authorities.
The Port of London Sanitary Authority exercises jurisdiction over the
stream of the Thames, and also over the area within the dock gates, including
dock-wharves and buildings. The Corporation of London and the Borough
Councils exercise a similar jurisdiction over wharves that abut on the banks
of the river but are outside the docks.
The Port of London Sanitary Authority have three Inspectors whose duties
consist solely in the examination of food.
In the City of London, the food on the wharves is examined by food
inspectors, but these do not devote their whole time to this particular kind of
examination.
The Council of Borough of Stepney have appointed a Wharf Inspector,
whose sole duty consists of inspecting food landed on the wharves.
In the other Boroughs which exercise jurisdiction the district inspectors do
the inspection.
All the inspectors carry out their work under control of their respective
Medical Officers of Health.
In 1903 complaints were made by the London and India Docks Company
as to the want of uniformity and equality in the methods adopted for the
inspection of Food. It was contended "that the inspection of food landed at
the docks was of one class, while the remainder of the Port of London which
was under the control of the Borough Councils had insisted on a less stringent
examination."
As a result of these representations, a Local Government Board Inquiry
was held at the Guildhall in April, 1903. An exhaustive examination was
made into the methods of Inspection which took place at the various points of
landing, and the Local Government Board, on the report of its Commissioner,