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Ice-Cream.
The number of premises registered for the storage and sale of
ice-cream is 554. Supplies are generally from well-known sources, and
before premises are registered, compliance with Food Hygiene Regulations
requirements is ensured. The Inspectors made 231 visits to
these premises during the year and 18 samples of ice-cream were
obtained for bacteriological examination. The results were:—
Grade 1 16
Grade 3 2
Bacteriological Examination of Other Foods.
Subsequent to outbreaks of suspected food poisoning four samples
of foodstuffs were sent to the Public Health Laboratory for special
bacteriological examination. No pathogens were isolated.
Poultry Inspection.
There are no poultry processing premises within the district.
Food Premises.
All food which is intended for sale is subject to inspection from
the point of production until final sale to the consumer. Closely related
to food inspection is the control of the conditions under which food
is stored, handled, transported and exposed for sale, and the enforcement
of satisfactory standards of hygiene. The inspection of food
premises has formed an important part of the work of the Public
Health Inspectors during the past year. 3,640 visits were made to
premises in which foodstuffs intended for human consumption were
prepared, stored or sold. In addition, 555 visits were made relative to
food vehicles. To a considerable extent, the most satisfactory progress
in promoting food hygiene is achieved by discussion and persuasion.
For this to be successful the co-operation of all those concerned is
necessary. I believe that the advice and assistance given by the Inspectors
is generally well received and appreciated.
I would like particularly to refer to the inspection of food preparation
and service conditions in connection with Shows, Fairs, etc.,
held in the Borough during the year. I received requests during the
season for approval of catering arrangements at these meetings, and
they are given careful attention. During the Annual Tennis Championship
Meetings, at Wimbledon, complete inspections of all catering
points are made, and facilities are afforded by the caterers for the
taking of food samples, and for swabbing of utensils, etc., for bacteriological
examination. I would like to record my appreciation of the
assistance given on these occasions by the Club officials and the staff
of the catering contractors
The annual Mitcham Fair also receives the attention of the Department,
and it is now the practice of the Director of Parks and
Cemeteries to submit to me applications from food vendors for a
site within the perimeter of the Fair, for an opinion as to the standard
of food hygiene attained by the applicant. I greatly appreciate the
co-operation of the Director in maintaining a high standard.
The catering arrangements at the Merton Show were inspected
before and during the course of the Show period, and were satisfactory.
Fairs on Wimbledon and Mitcham Commons are visited and
food vending points are given particular attention. I think it must be
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