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87
The absence of superficial nodules was no indication that the meat was free
from parasites in its deeper parts, and a careful and systematic plan of inspection
was found to be necessary.
As the parasites were found to be present in a large proportion of the carcase,
it was decided to cut off from every forequarter while still frozen those parts to
which the parasitic nodules were known to be chiefly confined, viz., the flanks and
briskets. The remainder of the forequarter was then released ; the flanks and
briskets were detained by the Sanitary Authority in cold store until the importer
gave notice that he wished to dispose of them, either for industrial or for food
purposes.
If it was desired to use the detained parts purely for industrial purposes,
examination of the meat would not not, of course, be called for, and it would
only remain to take the necessary steps to insure that no part of this meat could
be used for human consumption.
If, however, the importer wished to utilise the detained flanks and briskets
for food purposes, he would be required to have these parts thawed out and cut
up in slices under supervision, and to have destroyed any meat which appeared
unfit for human food.
Few of the importers it seems availed themselves of the option of having the
detained flanks and briskets examined with a view to disposing of them for food
purposes. In the great majority of cases they have found it more convenient to
surrender the parts in question for destruction.
The situation which has arisen has naturally entailed considerable loss to the
importers, who, however, have practically, without exception, realised the gravity
of the matter, and have shown their willingness to comply with the requirements
of the sanitary authorities.
According to reports made to the Local Government Board by Dr. MacFadden
and Dr. Leipir, a copy of which I received on January 13th, 1911, and from which
I have extracted the above information, the Local Government Board have been
informed " that steps are now being taken in Australia to provide for removal of
portions of quarters affected by parasitic nodules before exportation. Provided
this is done with sufficient system and under adequate supervision (including, of
course, measures to prevent affected portions being utilised in other ways in the
preparation of meat foods sent to this country), the procedure should have
advantages from the point of British administration."
Previous to receiving the above-mentioned reports, my attention was called
by Mr. Abson—the Wharf Inspector—on January 2nd, 1911, to the presence of
80 casks (tierces) of salt beef on a wharf in this Borough. Each cask weighed
about 3 cwt. These casks were landed on or about December 30th. The contents
of the casks were examined, and found to be briskets and flanks. On a superficial
examination we found that 14 per cent, of the pieces of meat were infected with
the parasites.