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2.1
FOOD
The work of the Food Team ranges from law enforcement to advising the trade
and members of the public on many aspects of food control and hygiene. New
problems frequently arise, for example, a special interest was taken in the condition
of frozen foods during the period, when the dispute in the electricity industry was
causing long power cuts. At the end of the year the Team was giving attention to
date coding of food stuffs, and there was considerable concern about the difficulty
that retailers and members of the public had in interpreting date codes, which
indicate the freshness of food. It was disappointing that on more than a dozen
occasions the Authority had to resort to legal proceedings. In the cases heard in
1972 fines totalling more than £500 were imposed.
2.2 CLEAN FOOD CAMPAIGN
During 1972, as part of a national campaign sponsored by the Public Health
Inspectors Association, a special campaign was held to try and promote good food
handling practices. Two separate exhibitions were designed and constructed with
the very essential help of the Health Education Service and a float was entered in
the Carshalton Carnival in order to focus public attention on the problems caused
by careless food handling. The exhibitions were also shown at a number of centres
throughout the Borough, including clinics and school premises. The response and
interest of members of the public was encouraging. It was, however, disappointing
that whilst time was being spent on these methods of emphasising the problems of
food hygiene and to lecturing to various groups, there was a serious decline in the
standard of some food premises.
2.3 FOOD PREMISES AND VEHICLES
In spite of the other activities involving the Food Team the number of visits and
inspections increased to 3,814. 221 notices were served regarding unsatisfactory
conditions, an indication of the type of infringements found are contained in the
table in appendix 2.a.
2.4 FOOD COMPLAINTS
The number of complaints received continue to run at a high level. Bread and flour
confectionery, the condition of milk and milk bottles and of meat and meat
products continued to be the main groups which were the subject of food complaints.
Appendix 2.b gives examples of the complaints dealt with and the proceedings which
followed.
2.5 UNSOUND FOOD SURRENDERED OR CONDEMNED
The condition of food stuffs displayed in shops and at manufacturers and wholesalers
premises is continuously monitored throughout the area. Appendix 2.c indicates in
quantative terms the amount of food stuffs which is surrendered or condemned as
unsound, diseased, unwholesome or unfit for human consumption.
2.6 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF FOOD AND DRUGS
During the year 476 samples were taken for chemical analysis and their constituents
were examined in relation to statutory standards and many other factors, including
a check that harmful preservatives and colouring matters were not being used. The
sampling programme was often adjusted to arrange for checks on food stuffs which
had been the subject of complaint. 4 formal and 12informal samples were reported
by the Public Analyst, Mr. J.A. Palgrave, B.Sc., M.Chem.A., F.R.I.C., to be unsatisfactory.
Further investigations were carried out in respect of each of these reports and
details of examples are set out in appendix 2.d. A schedule of the sampling results is
contained in appendix 2.e.
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