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108
In respect of the unsatisfactory samples, action was taken to ascertain
the cause. The follow-up revealed these had been found and dealt with.
The failure of the sample of Homogenised Milk to pass the Methylene
Blue Test was the result of an oversight in the changing of the supply to a
milk dispensing machine. The milk taken was, in fact, stale.
Milk Bottles
Nine complaints were received about the condition of milk bottles
as compared with 17 during the previous year.
Having regard to the millions of bottles that were in use in the Borough
during the year, this figure represents a very high standard of efficiency at
the bottle washing and bottle filling centres.
ICE CREAM
There are four hundred and seventy-nine premises in the Borough
registered for the retailing of Ice Cream and five registered for the manufacture
of this product. In the case of two of these, the process involves
pasteurisation and at the three other, a cold mix method is in use.
During the year, fifty-six samples were taken and of these, forty-two
were graded as 1 or 2. The remaining fourteen were graded 3 or 4 and as
such were below the standard expected. In these cases, enquiries were made
as to the cause, and follow-up samples were taken. In addition to the foregoing
samples, thirty-five were taken from mobile Ice Cream traders. Of
these, thirty were reported as Grades 1 or 2 and five as Grade 3.
ICE LOLLIES
By arrangement with the Public Health Laboratory, spot checks were
carried out by the Department at premises either selling or manufacturing
ice lollies and tests were carried out. In three cases, lollies were sent to the
laboratory for testing, and in each case were reported as satisfactory.
In all cases tested by the Department, the results revealed a satisfactory
product.
FOOD HYGIENE
Visits were made throughout the year to food shops, kitchens and
other premises where food is handled or stored and in all but a few cases
it was found that a high standard of cleanliness was being maintained.
Local Authorities, manufacturers, traders, shop assistants, food
handlers and the shopping public all have a part to play in the raising of
food standards, and experience suggests success lies in thoughtful cooperation
between all concerned. The discerning attitude of the shopping
public to food hygiene has helped tremendously in the raising of standards
and the keen desire of the trade to move towards improved conditions was
again noticed throughout the year.