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During June, it was found that consignments of home-killed lamb, which had been
obtained from Smithfield by local butchers, were unfit for human consumption, due to
inefficient bleeding, partial decomposition, bruising, and careless removal of the
viscera causing contamination of the carcase by excreta. In some cases excreta was
found in the carcase. In view of the obvious carelessness which had taken place both
before and during slaughter, the facts were reported to the Health Committee, when
the Town Clerk was requested to communicate with the Ministry of Pood thereon. During
late September and early October, six butchers complained of the condition of pig
carcases which had been loaded in Ireland before being cooled properly, and had later
been improperly packed. Some butchers wiped down the pork with hot water, but the
condition of the meat was most unsatisfactory.
The attention of the Minister of Pood was drawn to this matter, when the reply
was received which pointed out the fact that "such contaminations were not uncommon when
the meat trade was in private hands". I can only say, that during my forty years experience
I never had to deal with meat which had been ruined by careless or incompetent handling.
There has been a decided improvement in the condition of meat delivered to the Borough since
that date. It is interesting to note that during October, the Council were invited by the
Leyton Borough Council to Join in making representations to the Minister in respect of
excessive waste, caused by so much unsound food, especially meat and cheese, at a time when
these commodities are in short supply.
I append a list of the various foodstuffs condemned during the year, which shows the
heavy load being carried by the Department in connection with the protection of the consumer
from possible trouble due to unfit foods.