London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
West Ham 1957
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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some risk of contamination which could conceivably on occasion be injurious to health. The
food handler, however, is only required to take such steps as may be reasonably necessary.
It is clear that in cases under Regulation 8(a) it will be advisable for the prosecution to
bring expert evidence that the alleged risk of contamination did in fact constitute a real
risk of danger to health.
This appeal has certainly cleared the air as to the interpretation of Regulation 8
and several other regulations, and to this extent has given useful guidance to local authorities.
It is anticipated, however, that this Judgment will be quoted by the defenoe in many
food hygiene oases, particularly when the relevant Regulation includes such words as "reasonably
practicable", "suitable and sufficient", "adequate" etc., since any argument on their
exact interpretation may turn on "danger to public health".
Summary of Notices served under the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955
Following inspections of food premises, 30 notices were served and 28 letters sent
under the Regulations in respect of contraventions found.
The following table gives a summary of the items requiring attention.
| Insaniatary Premises | 19 |
| Lack of Cleanliness of Equipment | 25 |
| Food Insufficiently Protected from Contamination | 13 |
| Defective Drainage Systems and Guttering | 1 |
| Insufficient or Defective Sanitary Conveniences | 6 |
| Inadequate Water Supply | 4 |
| Wash-basins required | 17 |
| Hot Water to be supplied | 16 |
| Soap, towels and Nail Brush required | 15 |
| First Aid Materials Required | 8 |
| Inadequate Facilities for Washing Food and Equipment | 4 |
| Lack of Cleanliness of Food Rooms | 26 |
| Accumulation of Refuse and Inadequate Bins | 16 |
| Food not kept at Right Temperature | 1 |
| No Name and address on stall | 1 |
| Inadequate Screening of Stall | 1 |
| Hot and Cold Water Required on Stall | 1 |
| No Accommodation for clothing | 6 |
| Repairs to walls, floors, etc., required | 6 |
| No Smoking Notices not displayed | 4 |
| Animals in food Rooms | 1 |
| Notices re hand washing not displayed in W.C | 5 |
| Yard Paving requiring repair | 3 |
HOUSING
Unfit or "Slum" Houses.
During the year a total of 247 houses were represented to the Council under the
appropriate sections of the Housing Act, which will lead to the ultimate demolition of the
properties concerned. The properties are contained in the summary below. This number
comprises a useful and progressive contribution to the major scheme of redevelopment and
the removal of totally unfit dwellings, containing as it does some of the worst properties
now remaining in the Borough.
27