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Also of interest is the increase in the popularity of foods that were at
one time uncommon in this country. Whether this is the result of holidays
abroad, or whether due to the increase in the number of persons from
overseas who are now resident in this country, is not known, but aubergine
and avocado pears are now commonplace articles in many greengrocery
shops. In the delicatessen shops the variety of cheeses is almost legion,
while tinned snails and chocolate ants are by no means uncommon.
Throughout the year the general standard of maintenance of food
premises in the Borough was satisfactory, though there were occasions
when it was found necessary to remind shopkeepers and others of their
responsibilities in the matter of hygiene and of the requirements of the
Food Hygiene Regulations.
What was particularly encouraging in this field was the improved
standards being achieved by those stallholders at Pinner Fair who were
retailing foodstuff. Those attending were advised beforehand to obtain
a written statement from their home Authority about their food storage
accommodation and they were also advised of local requirements. Similar
procedure will be followed in future years.
Complaints
Eighty-four complaints were received about the condition of food
purchased from shops. When considered against the number and origin
of the various articles of foodstuff that are row available and the quantities
that are involved in supplying a populc. ion of some 200,000 people
this figure is remarkably low and though it is known that many incidents
are referred back to traders and manufacturers by customers without
advising the Department, I feel it speaks well for the efforts that are made
by all concerned in the manufacture, the handling, the storage and the
retailing of food.
With the exception of bread, in respect of which twenty complaints
were received, the incidents reported covered most articles of food. Court
action was taken in respect of two of the cases that were reported and both
of these involved foreign matter in bread. Fines totalling £35 were imposed
and costs amounting to ten guineas were allowed.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
While this term, when used in its widest sense, embraces everything
that is purchased by the public from real estate and insurance to face
powder and nail varnish, and includes services of all kinds including those
provided by the Local Authority, it is the Local Authority on whom the
responsibility generally rests when the issues arising from the efforts of the
Consumer Council reach the state of some form of enforcement action
being taken. The Consumer Council is, in fact, a form of ombudsman,
drawing the attention of the general public and the government to matters
which appear to be contrary to the interests of the public at large.