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to steam is necessary for the protection of the public. It is also an advantage
commercially as when the bottles and milk receptacles are sterilised the milk
keeps better and the dairyman gains thereby.
A problem to which attention has been called before but, because of
its importance, is again repeated here, is one which affects both the milk
retailers and the general public, and is that of the disposition of empty milk
bottles. These, if they are not handed to the milk purveyor at liis next call,
should be placed in a position where they cannot easily be contaminated.
The door-step is not ideal for this purpose, but is very much better than the
method commonly adopted of leaving the bottle on the pavement. This latter
method gives rise both to a great deal of bother from bottles which become
broken through being knocked over while on the pavement, and it also allows
the bottle to become much more easily contaminated than it would be otherwise.
When it is realised that the usual methods of sterilising bottles are gauged so
as to sterilise bottles which are only contaminated in a minor degree, it will be
realised that if a bottle is heavily contaminated the attempt at sterilisation
may be ineffective.
Meat and Other Foods.
It is contantly borne in mind that unsound food may be exhibited for
sale, consequently regular visits are made to inspect the carcases of recently
slaughtered animals and watch is kept on premises where meat, fish and other
foods are sold or prepared for sale. Most of the meat supplied to the district
comes from the London Smithfield Market.
During the year a total number of 1,162 visits were paid to places where
food is prepared.
During 1938 there was one registered slaughterhouse in the district.
There is no public abattoir.
During the year 20 animals were slaughtered in the slaughterhouse and
all the meat was inspected as shown in the following table.