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During the course of the year 117 samples were taken and
submitted to the Park Hospital Laboratory for grading by the
Methylene Blue Test.
One hundred samples were graded as satisfactory and
17 unsatisfactory. The unsatisfactory samples were all of
soft ice-cream. Investigations following receipt of the
unsatisfactory samples were carried out to ensure that the
machinery used for the dispensing of this type of ice-cream
was being cleaned and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. Where unsatisfactory reports
were received the Public Health Inspectors visited the shops
from which the ice-cream samples were purchased and instructed
the proprietors to dismantle and sterilise the machine in the
prescribed manner in their presence. Following reassembly
further samples were then taken and submitted to the Park
Hospital Laboratory. Subsequent samples taken in this
manner were in the majority of cases reported upon satisfactorily
and it would seem likely that there was a connection
between inadequate cleaning of the machinery and unsatisfactory
results of samples from such machinery. Premises where
unsatisfactory reports on ice-cream samples had been received
were visited regularly to ensure that a good standard of
hygiene was maintained and to carry out sampling.
PUBLIC HOUSES
There are 152 public houses in the Borough, 27 of which
serve main meals. The supervision of hygiene conditions is
carried out by the Public Health Inspectors and visits are
made as a matter of routine.
All the defects found to require attention in the public
houses were remedied by the Brewers as a result of informal
action taken by the Department.
COMPLAINTS OF UNSOUND FOOD
During the year 47 food complaints were received In the
Department. All the complaints were subsequently investigated
by the Food Inspectors.
In respect of two complaints, namely metal fragments
embedded in an iced bun, and a wood screw found in a birthday
cake, the Health Committee authorised the institution of legal
proceedings.
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