London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Woolwich 1950
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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centration of slaughtering at these premises, the equivalent of the full-time services
of more than three inspectors was required for the inspection of carcases. Compared
with the previous year, 3,962 more carcases were inspected in 1960, and 14,130
more than in 1948. This was due to a large increase in the number of cattle, lambs
and pigs being slaughtered. As the arrival of beasts for slaughter is irregular and
as all caracases must be inspected almost immediately after slaughter, the staff
were frequently kept late on duty.
The following table gives details of the number of animals slaughtered during 1950:—
Table No. 11.
Carcases Inspected and Condemned, 1950.
| Cattle, excluding Cows. | Cows. | Calves. | Sheep and Lambs. | Pigs. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number killed | 12,638 | 4,453 | 3,103 | 27,359 | 2,392 |
| Number Inspected | 12,638 | 4,453 | 3,103 | 27,359 | 2,392 |
| Whole carcases condemned | 6 | 4 | 1 | 13 | 7 |
| Carcases of which some part of organ was condemned | 2,307 | 1,531 | 7 | 2,541 | 60 |
| Percentage of number inspected affected with disease other than Tuberculosis | 18.3 | 34.5 | .2 | 9.3 | 2.8 |
| Whole carcases condemned | 39 | 96 | 6 | — | 13 |
| Carcases of which some part of organ was condemned | 1,462 | 1,542 | 1 | — | 101 |
| Percentage of the number inspected affected with Tuberculosis | 11.8 | 36.7 | .2 | — | 4.7 |
It will be seen from the above table that of the 12,638 cattle (excluding cows)
inspected during the year, 11.8 per cent. (tuberculosis) and 18.3 per cent. (other
diseases) were found to be diseased. However, only 45 whole carcases or .35 per cent.
of the total number of cattle (other than cows) inspected had to be condemned.
The Minister of Food has asked local authorities to ensure that while the shortage
of meat continues, no meat which is fit for human consumption should be unnecessarily
condemned. This has been the practice in Woolwich. Liaison between the
Council's inspectors and officers of the Ministry of Food works satisfactorily.
Meat Manufacturing Premises. A working party to review the present meat trade
practice, legislation governing the meat manufacturing trades and control over the
disposal of unfit meat, has been appointed by the Minister of Food. Ministry of
Food inspectors co-operate with local authorities in any cases of suspected contraventions
of the Food and Drugs Act.
Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933. Seven licences were granted to persons
working in the Borough to act as slaughterers. In addition, 11 applications for
renewal of existing slaughtermen's licences were approved.
Shops Act, 1950.
The Council, in its capacity as sanitary authority, has duties under this Act
of securing and maintaining sanitary and hygienic conditions in shops.
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