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47
One hundred and thirteen samples were examined
during 1948 with the following results
GRADES.
I II III IV
1948 49 24 26 14 - Total 113
1947 13 17 18 10 - " 58
B.Coli was found in sixty-two of the samples.
These were placed in the following Grades respectively:-
Grade I II III IV
13 14 23 12
The colour test referred to above is not suitable
for the examination of flavoured and coloured ice-cream, or of
chocolate covered ices. The dyes and the chocolate interfere
with the operation of the test, and accordingly any such samples
are submitted to the Plate Count and are examined for the
presence of B.Coli as alternative tests. Nine samples were
thus examined, and in four instances unsatisfactory reports
were received.
(f) MEAT AND OTHER FOODS.
(i) Slaughterhouses. There are no licensed slaughterhouses
in the Borough.
(ii) Meat Depot. There are no changes to record in
the arrangements for the distribution of meat in this area. The
Ministry of Food Meat Depot in Wood Street serves the needs of
the Boroughs of Barnes, Kingston, Maiden and Coombe, Richmond,
Surbiton and Wimbledon, and the Urban District of Esher.
Having regard to the wide area involved, it will be understood
that a very large amount of meat, including offals, passes
through this depot each week. The quantity distributed during
1948 was approximately 9,750 tons.
The inspection of this food requires daily visits
but the amount of food condemned as unsound is very small, when
compared with the total quantity handled.
The loss occasioned by decomposition in transit
during spells of hot weather indicates once again the need for
improvement in methods of transport of food, particularly meat
and offals.
The attention of the Ministry of Food was drawn
to the very unsatisfactory condition of the meat transport
vehicles and also to the unsuitable manner in which the carcases
were packed. Some attention was directed to this matter, but a
permanent improvement had not been effected in this area by the
end of 1948.
(iii ) UNSOUND FOODS.
The following is a tabulated statement of foodstuffs
condemned during the year, together with the cause for condemnation:-