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big improvement in the bacteriological quality of ice cream.
The only detraction is the higher percentage of grade I
samples containing coliforms. These satisfactory results are
due to several factors. Firstly, a much larger proportion of
the ice cream retailed in Feltham is supplied by the well
known reputable manufacturers with a consequent reduction
in the previous large number of less reliable manufacturers
This change over has been partly due to the greater "sales
appeal" of certain well known ice creams and partly due
to the desire of many retailers to sell an ice cream, which,
when sampled, would give a result satisfactory to this department.
Most retailers are anxious to sell a satisfactory
product, and many have been very concerned in previous
years at their inability to find a supplier whose ice cream
would give consistently good results. As soon as the supply
situation permitted they changed to a reliable source.
Secondly, partly due to the activities of this department and
to a general trend in that direction, a much larger proportion
of the ice cream is sold wrapped.
In all cases notification of the results of sampling was
given to the manufacturer, the retailer and the Authority in
whose district the ice cream was manufactured, and it was
found that many manufacturers appreciated receiving good
results as well as unsatisfactory ones.
There were no manufacturers of ice cream in the area.
Rodent Control
Rodent destruction in accordance with the methods
advocated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries was
continued. The annual test baiting of the Council's sewers
showed that the sewers were free from infestation. The
Councils refuse tip is kept under observation and any signs
of rat activity dealt with immediately. During the year
185 complaints or reports of rat or mice infestation were
dealt with, involving visits to 874 premises, 91 treatments
were carred out by this department and 61 by occupiers.
When treatments are carried out by this department on
behalf of the occupiers, a standard charge of five shillings is
made in the case of private dwellings, and the full cost of
the treatment in the case of business premises. Where the
occupiers elect to carry out the treatment themselves, advice