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was made in consequence of two consignments of pigs in
which a larger percentage than usual were affected, i.e., in
two groups of about 30 each, there was a total of 14 affected.
Three animals were condemned in consequence of dying
from injuries received during transit. There were 471 livers
affected with flukes, a larger proportion than generally
obtains. Fifteen of the pigs had cirrhosis of the liver and 3
ox tongues were affected with actinomycosis. There were
no cases of anthrax or foot and mouth disease. In the 7,911
sheep and lambs, there was no disease present to justify the
condemnation of any one carcase. A total of 634 separate
instances of diseased carcases or organs were dealt with.
The amount of time devoted to this section of the work is
amply justified by results, as some of the defective meat, if
undetected, might have been used for human food.
The retail shops and stalls were systematically inspected,
and it was found generally that the vendors adopted a reasonable
attitude and made efforts to being the conduct of their
business into line with the spirit of the Regulations.
There is no Regulation that could deal with the unsatisfactory
practice of customers handling meat while in the shops,
but, in compliance with a circular of the Ministry of Health
(where it was suggested that the co-operation of the trade
might be invited) the Borough Council had the following
notice printed on enamelled tin:—
WOOLWICH BOROUGH COUNCIL.
PUBLIC HEALTH (MEAT) REGULATIONS.
CUSTOMERS ARE REQUESTED
NOT TO HANDLE THE MEAT.