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Milk. The 7 unsatisfactory samples were all of hot milk obtained from 3 cafes.
Samples from 1 of these were found to contain added water and the Company was prosecuted
but was given an absolute discharge on payment of 5 guineas costs. The other 4
unsatisfactory samples were all deficient in milk-fat and subsequent follow-up samples
were all genuine.
New Milk. The 48 unsatisfactory samples of new milk were obtained from churns
of milk sent by 7 various farmers into Southall. All these samples were deficient in milk
fat content and letters were addressed to 5 of the farmers concerned, drawing their attention
to the deficiencies and suggesting they may wish to seek technical advice to improve the
quality of the milk produced from their cows. No further action was taken in respect
of the remaining 2 farmers since the unsatisfactory samples were from a small proportion
of the churns of milk delivered.
Ice-Cream Mix. This sample contained no milk-fat although called " Milkreem."
A follow-up sample was procured early in 1954.
Soups. A sample of cream of tomato soup was found to be 78% deficient in fat and
a letter of warning was addressed to the retailer, who undertook to amend, suitably, the
description of this food as given on the containers.
Tomato Sauce. This sample contained 50% of apple puree and an official caution
was despatched to the manufacturers.
Vinegar. In both cases non-brewed condiment was supplied and the retailer was
prosecuted and fined £5 and 3 guineas costs.
The following brief notes relate to other activities of Middlesex County Council by
virtue of their duties as Food and Drugs Authority.
Special Designated Milk. During the year 2 dealer processors were licensed to use
the special designation " pasteurised " in connection with milk processed at their premises.
23 inspections were made of these premises and 104 samples of "pasteurised" milk were
procured, all of which passed the prescribed tests.
Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887-1926. During the year particular attention has been
paid to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, which
require certain imported foodstuffs, when exposed for retail sale, to bear a clear indication
of the country of origin. 175 premises were visited and 1,397 head of poultry, displays of
meat, and stacks of apples, tomatoes and dried fruits were examined. One trader was
prosecuted in respect of imported poultry not marked with the country of origin and he
was fined £5 and 3 guineas costs.
Labelling of Food Order, 1953. 11 premises were visited during the year and 47
different articles of food were examined to ensure compliance with this Order. No
infringement of substance was discovered.
Meat Inspections
Inspections are made of the carcases of slaughtered animals at St. Bernard's Hospital
slaughterhouse and pig clubs, and of premises where meat and other foods are sold or
prepared for sale. There is no registered slaughterhouse or public abattoir in the district,
and most of the meat supplied comes from the Ministry of Food Distribution Centre.
FOOD INSPECTIONS
Food Premises
The number of food premises in the Borough by type of business is shown as follows:—
Shops 327
Catering Establishments 120
Factories 22
31