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(c) Containerised Danish Bacon
3 containers of Danish bacon each containing 360 sides are imported weekly by a wholesale
organisation in the Borough. These are subject to a percentage inspection by the health authorities
at the port of entry. In March 1972 it was noted that a number of carcasses had a slight coating of
pin cushion appearance in the body cavities, on the cut surfaces of the flesh and on the external
surfaces of the sides. The sides were treated by cleansing with disposable wiping cloths and the
nature of the condition was reported to the importers London representative who in turn sought
advice of the Danish Meat Research Institute of Roskilde, Denmark. The condition was identified
as bacterial slime formation and a suitable technique for treating affected carcasses was devised.
This consists of rubbing the carcasses with a dry salt after cleaning with disposable towelling. The
condition occurred at the time of the industrial dispute in the mining industry and consequent
electricity failures. Subsequent monitoring has shown no further instance of this condition.
(d) Imported bales of Polish de-fatted back bacon
This bacon, which consists of de-skinned and boned out short backs was packed in bales of
8 cuts, average weight 60 to 70 lbs. It was muslin wrapped with a matchboard protective packing
and sewn hessian outer cover. It was shipped as orginary cargo and not containerised and took up
to 3 weeks to arrive. With the onset of warmer weather it was noted that some consignments were
moist and sticky requiring wiping and trimming before release. Subsequently bacteriological samples
were arranged resulting in surface plate counts of 10-5 million and 13 million respectively. Salmonella
and coliform organisms were not found. The results were reported to the wholesalers who subsequently
cancelled the contract for this bacon and substituted a similar line from Holland with a
delivery time of under 1 week from the producer and protected by sealed plioform bag packs and
cardboard cartons. Initial shipments were inspected and found to be satisfactory and follow up
bacteriological samples gave counts of 150,000 without coliform or salmonella being present. This
was considered to be very satisfactory.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACT 1950
The local authority's duties under this Act and various orders made thereunder are enforced
by the public health inspectors assisted by a part-time veterinary officer. The orders are concerned
with the prevention and control of animal diseases and in addition to dealing with specific diseases
and animals they cover such matters as animal transportation, disinfection of premises and vehicles.
As a result of an outbreak of swine vesicular disease, the Swine Vesicular Disease Order 1972
was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food making the disease notifiable. This
outbreak focused attention on the dangers of feeding swill which had not been properly processed
and on the need to ensure that processed swill does not become recontaminated by any raw swill
and that animals, birds or vermin are prevented from having contact with the raw swill. The Diseases
of Animals (Waste Foods) Order 1957 prohibits the feeding of unboiled waste foods to certain
animals or poultry. With a few minor exceptions plant used for the boiling of swill has to be the subject
of a licence issued by the local authority. All swill boiling plants within the Borough were inspected
immediately following the outbreak of this disease. Operators were reminded of their obligations
and given details of any works or repair or improvement necessary to their installation.
There are 29 licensed boiling plants in the Borough.
THE SLAUGHTER OF ANIMALS ACT 1958
During the year 3 licences to slaughter were issued.
FERTILISERS & FEEDING STUFFS ACT 1926
FERTILISERS & FEEDING STUFFS REGULATIONS
9 samples of fertilisers and 4 samples of animal feeding stuffs were taken during the year and
submitted to the Council's agricultural analyst for examination. One sample of bonemeal was found
to have an excess of nitrogen and phosphoric acid and a sample of poultry ration to contain an
excess in the fibre content. In the case of the bonemeal the excess of nitrogen and phosphoric acid
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