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V. INSPECTION MP SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
The work of the Food Section has proceeded on much the same lines
this year as in the previous year, that is on the implementation of
the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955. There is increasing co-operation
between food traders desirous of opening new premises and the Public
Health Inspectors, and it is usual for such traders to consult with
the inspectors about hygiene requirements before construction or
structural alterations to their premises takes place.
If there has been any emphasis at all on any one aspect of the work,
it is in connection with the bacteriological side of food inspection and
it would appear that this is to be the trend for the future.
Informal meetings took place at the Guildhall between the Medical
Officers of Health of the Riparian Authorities, the Port Health Authority
and the Ministry of Health, at which the Food Inspectors attended. There
were discussions with the representatives of the importers and interested
merchants on the problems arising from the import of foodstuffs which,
for various reasons, were found not to comply with chemical or bacteriological
standards. Two such meetings considered the contamination of
Chinese dried hen egg albumen, liquid frozen egg and dried hen egg powder,
samples of which had been found to contain bacteria of the Salmonella
group, and, as a result, the heat treatment of all imports of egg albumen
was introduced. At another meeting, discussion centred on the proposed
amendments to the Public Health (Imported Food) Regulations.
These meetings are valuable because by pooling the experience and
difficulties of the various authorities, which are often found to be
similar, concerted efforts can be made to overcome them either by
uniform procedure or by suggested amendments to legislation.
Legislation during the year which affected the Food Section
included the Milk & Dairies (General) Regulations, 1959, which re-enacted
with amendments the 1944-1954 Regulations and which make itinerant
sellers of milk no longer liable to registration. The Condensed Milk
Regulations, 1959, amended and consolidated the 1923-1953 Regulations,
and provide for the sale of half-cream condensed milk, requiring it to
be labelled: "Should not be used for babies except under medical advice".
A summary of the visits made by the Public Health (Food) Inspectors
to food premises will be found on pages 71 and 72.
Bacteriological Examination of Foodstuffs.
Samples of food submitted for bacteriological examination numbered
72, details of which are as fallows:-
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