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40
Shellfish and Jellied Eels.
The following samples were taken during the year for
bacteriological examination:—
Cockles 17
Mussels 12
Jellied Eels 22
Most of the samples taken were of a reasonable standard.
With respect to unsatisfactory samples, if the manufacturer was
outside the Borough, a copy of the bacteriologist's report was sent
to him with a request to improve conditions of manufacture.
Investigations were carried out at the premises where these were
within the Borough. Considerable works were carried out to one
of these premises and in other cases advice was given.
Further samples were taken of all unsatisfactory samples and
these have shown considerable improvement.
Cooked Meats.
As the amounts of cooked meats exposed for sale to the public
have increased very considerably recently, the Council decided that
sampling of these products should be carried on. These samples
were to ascertain whether the products are:—
(1) suitable for food,
(2) manufactured under clean conditions,
(3) subject to contamination after manufacture,
(4) properly stored before being sold to the public,
(5) handled under hygienic conditions.
During the year seventy-two samples were taken which
included the following articles:— Pork Brawn, Corned Beef,
Cooked Ham, Luncheon Meat, Jellied Veal, Cooked Pork, Raw
Beef Sausages, Raw Pork Sausages, Liver Sausage, Luncheon
Sausage, Pressed Brisket, Meat Brawn, Cooked Pork Sausage, Ox
Tongue, Calves' Tongue, Beef Suet and Meat Pie.
About one-third of these samples showed excessive contamination
by bacteria. These bacteria indicated contamination by
excessive handling, unnecessary exposure or improper storage.
Advice to retailers was given in each of these cases and further
sampling showed some improvement.
A very marked improvement in these products was noticeable
towards the end of the year.
(d) Adulteration, etc.—Food and Drugs Act, 1938.
During the year ninety-seven samples of food and drugs were
submitted to the Public Analysts.