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34
Supervision.
Cowsheds, dairies, pasteurising and bottling establishments were
visited frequently during the year and where necessary essential improvements
or repairs were carried out.
Sampling.
Thirty-nine samples were taken, 6 of which were reported as being
unsatisfactory. In these cases enquiries were made and appropriate
action taken—in one case a new sterilising plant was installed ; in
another dairy a new cooler was fitted.
In addition, samples were taken every month from producers by
the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, and 36 were taken by the Middlesex
War Agricultural Executive Committee.
One local producer had not returned an adverse sample over a
period of 4 years, and another for 3 years.
Complaints.
During the year 17 complaints were received regarding milk delivered
to householders in the district. Seven related to dirty bottles and 10
to bottled milk containing foreign matter. In these cases investigations
were made and action taken with the retailers concerned.
ICE CREAM.
In the district there are 101 premises registered for the manufacture,
storage or retailing of ice cream. Of these, manufacturing is carried on
at 16, whilst 7 are registered for the retailing of ice cream received in
bulk from manufacturers, and 78 for the retailing of the commodity in
wrapped packages.
In addition, during 1946 details were obtained of 5 persons found
retailing from vehicles.
232 visits were made to the premises of persons engaged in the
manufacture or retailing of this commodity.
MEAT.
Thirty-six pigs, owned by pig clubs, were slaughtered in the district
during the year. All were inspected and found fit for human consumption.
SHOPS ACTS.
With the return to the Public Health Department of the Shops Acts
Inspector (this Officer acted during the war years as the Local Food
Enforcement Officer) it was possible for more attention to be given to
the various requirements of the Shops Acts, and the position to-day is
by no means unsatisfactory.
As will be appreciated during the war years the difficulties experienced
by shopkeepers not only in respect of labour but also in
other directions made it necessary for many sections of the Acts affecting
shops to fall into the background though the number of defects and
contraventions regarding Notices that have been noted are by no means
as numerous as might have been expected.
It appears the majority of shopkeepers are anxious to avoid a return
to the pre-war hours of evening closing and more is likely to be heard on
this subject in the future.