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52
With the exception of sample No. 763, all the
pies were of similar size and weighed approximately 6½— ozs
each. On the facts as shown by the Analyst's Reports, it
appeared that a purchaser of the inferior pies was being
prejudiced, but as no legal standard for meat pies had been
set up, an approach was made to the Ministry of Food to
obtain their views. Unfortunately, and it is a matter for
regret, owing to certain technical difficulties concerned
with sampling and accurate reproducible analysis, the
Ministry of Food has not yet found it possible to establish
a standard for meat pies. It remains, therefore, for the
public to safeguard their interests by exercising care and
discrimination in the purchase of 'meat' and 'steak1 pies.
FOOD HYGIENE. During the year efforts to ensure the
hygienic condition of food premises in the Borough were continued.
It will be remembered that immediately after the
cessation of hostilities, attention was first directed to
restaurants, canteens etc. It was recognised that owing to
food difficulties and rationing, more people were taking
meals away from home. This mass feeding very naturally
produced conditions in which large numbers of persons might
be affected in the event of food being contaminated in the
kitchens. Having dealt with structural conditions as far as
was possible within the limits of building licences, attention
was directed to the personnel employed in and around
food premises. This work is most valuable, but inevitably
it is of a non-stop character, mainly owing to frequent
changes of staff, but also to the fact that lessons in hygiene
are most effective, when addressed to individuals or small
groups of persons. Their own personal errors can be pointed
out in a quiet tactful manner and an explanation can be given
them, together with advice how to avoid the errors in future.
This work goes on daily, not only in food
premises, but also in the home, where it is sometimes noticed
that foodstuffs are kept and handled most improperly. In
these latter cases, experience teaches that extreme tact is
necessary, for it is strangely true that a few housewives
have been known to resent all too readily a word of advice
regarding a thoughtless act which, if performed by a shop
assistant in their presence, would bring down upon that
hapless individual indignant reproaches.
At a rough guess, for these figures are not
published, there must be upwards of 70,000 food registrations
effective in this Borough, and the absence of serious
illnesses which have been traced without doubt to foodstuffs
purchased in the town is an indication of the reasonably high
standard which has been achieved and maintained. This good
fortune is gratifying, but it is not allowed to lead to a
feeling of complacency. Work in the field of Food Hygiene
continues without a break.