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Last year five out of eight foods tested were found to be unsatisfactory
because of the presence of too many bacteria. In an attempt to improve on
this ratio, considerable effort was put into the education of retailers in
the hygiene of food handling. One lecture was attended by over 250 food
traders and their staffs. Sampling was increased twelvefold, emphasis
being placed upon cooked meats because it was known that these were
particularly vulnerable.
It will be seen from the table that there was an improvement, but
nothing to be complacent about, especially as regards the cooked meats.
We did, however, feel that we knew where we were going
The cleanliness of food handling improved. Though there were still
instances of contamination from unhygienic methods, particularly whilst
slicing, and sometimes over-long storage, the cause of most of the high
counts of bacteria was storage at too high a temperature.
Of course, most of the bacteria are relatively harmless, but high
numbers of even these types are most undesirable and can cause illness.
The great danger is that one day, as happened in Aberdeen, you might buy
poisonous bacteria. Then you are in trouble. Your safeguards are hygiene,
freshness and refrigeration.
* The relatively high percentage of poor samples is due to the
expertise of the Inspectors in perceiving and testing substandard
practices. Had the sampling been representative of the standard
throughout the Borough, the percentage would have been very much
smaller.