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32
The whole-time services of two Sanitary Inspectors are utilised to deal
with food preparing premises, factory canteen premises and food and drugs
sampling. During 1952, they made 13.836 inspections of food shops and
food preparing premises and copies of the bye-laws were supplied and
explained. Interviews were held with directors and representatives of most
of the multiple firms having shops in the district and agreement arrived at
as to matters of policy affected by the bye-laws. 190 informal and 14
formal notices were served under the Food & Drugs Act, and 19 formal
and 248 informal notices were complied with, including 8 formal and 95
informal notices served in 1951.
(ii) Food Hygiene.
A "Clean Food" Exhibition was held for 3 weeks from the end of
February, 1952, under the auspices of one of the large stores. There was
a constant flow of visitors during the busy shop hours and at week-ends,
and it is estimated that over 500 people stayed to see the hygiene films
demonstrated in the small cinema. The Sanitary Inspectors were in attendance
throughout the whole period of the exhibition and explained the
principles of hygiene and the exhibits, and answered any necessary
questions.
Considerable interest was demonstrated and it was felt the principles
of the hygiene of food handling were inculcated in the 5,000 visitors to the
Exhibition.
Twelve Lectures and demonstrations with film strips were organised
for food handlers. For this purpose, canteens, restaurants and staff rooms
have been kindly made available and food handlers in the vicinity invited
to attend. Questions were raised followed by interesting discussions. These
lectures were held in duplicate in order to allow the entire staffs of premises
to attend without disorganising their business. Staffs of 12 canteens, cafes
and food shops were invited, resulting in an attendance of 118.
Further lectures are being organised and it is intended to cover the
whole of the Borough in this manner.
It is pleasing to note that the catering industry, as a whole, is cooperating
admirably, as in the previous year.
(iii) Sampling.
The Council has delegated to the Public Health Committee power to
institute legal proceedings under the Act.
210 samples (207 formal and 3 informal) of food and drugs were
obtained during the year 1952; 11 formal and 2 informal samples were not
satisfactory as follows:—
(a), (b) and (c) Vinegar (formal).—These samples consisted of
coloured acetic acid. Legal proceedings were taken in all cases. In
two instances the retailers were fined £1 each, the other case was
dismissed.
(d) and (e) Butter Mints (formal) and Butter Scotch (formal).—
The butter fat. if any, in these samples did not exceed 0.5% each
and was insufficient to justify the descriptions. A letter of warning
was sent to the manufacturer-retailer.
(f) Pork sausages (formal).—Deficient in meat to the extent of
23%. Legal proceedings were taken and fines totalling £10 plus
£3 3s. costs were imposed on the firm concerned. The manager was
dismissed from the case on payment of £1 costs.
(g) and (h) Whisky (formal).—Contained 68.7% and 67.8% proof
spirit respectively. Both samples were in accord with the Act but were
deficient to the extent of 13% and 2.2% respectively below the
labelled 70%. No action was taken.