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V. INSPECTION MP SUPERVISION OF FOOD
At the beginning of the year some newspapers gave publicity to stories
of children in various parts of the country having been taken ill following
consumption of imported sweets consisting of toffee contained in an
ordinary cockle shell. Four samples were taken from confectioners in the
Borough but no pathogenic organisms found.
Milk vending machines in the Borough received regular attention,
samples being frequently taken both for chemical analysis and for bacteriological
examination.
As part of the Christmas trade, sweets described as "Chocolate Whisky
Bottles containing genuine whisky" appeared in several shops in the Borough.
Samples taken contained approximately only 20% proof spirit instead of 65%.
Following discussion with the importers, a satisfactory label and description
was agreed.
Towards the end of the year swabs were taken of prepacked poultry at
pre-packing premises in the Borough and of cut poultry exposed for sale in
retail butcher and poultry shops. Gutting tables were also swabbed.
Of 83 swabs submitted for bacteriological examination for the presence of
salmonella organisms, 5 were found positive (including one from a gutting
table). Swabbing of poultry is being continued and measures to be taken
to reduce the risk of salmonella cross infection are under active consideration.
Any steps which reduce the reservoir of those salmonellae organisms
liable to infect the general public are to the benefit of the public
health. Perhaps, more emphasis in this field is desirable when it is known
that 'food poisoning' outbreaks continue at a high rate in this country.
Sampling of desiccated coconut and of imported egg products continues
at the wharves and results show that improvement is being maintained consequent
upon the policy of detention and sampling of all consignments.
The same can be said of tea imports, sampled and analysed for excessive
lead. More consignments of all these commodities are now found to be
satisfactory, which suggests that the action of the Riparian and Port
Health Authorities has resulted in more careful production and handling in
the exporting countries.
Licensing Act. 1961
This Act gives local authorities powers to inspect restaurants, residential
hostels, and the like, in respect of which applications are made
to the licensing justices for the grant of licences to enable intoxicating
liquor to be sold therein. Similar powers are conferred on local authorities
as regards licensed clubs together with the right to object on one or
more specific grounds when applications for registration, or renewal
thereof, come before the licensing justices. The Council authorised the
Public Health Inspectors to inspect these premises, and reports are made
as to their suitability and convenience for the purpose, having regard to
their character, condition, size and nature. Where the Council objects
to the granting of a licence, in consequence of the report of the Public
Health Inspector, it is necessary for the inspector concerned to attend
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