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pamphlets but his shortcomings can be demonstrated and eventually
remedied by visits and talks at the place where the work
is actually being done. At the same time advice can be given
on his practical difficulties. Clean food handlers are not in
need of lectures. They are really a waste of time when given
to those who are already keenly appreciative of their responsibilities
and. except on some points of detail, are fully conversant
with all that is required of them. What I have expressed
in the foregoing is based on experience. Only a few years ago
the Medical Officer of Health and myself organised a course
of lectures in the lecture hall of the Public Library but the
response was very poor and by no means compensated us for
the considerable efforts involved and certainly did nothing to
further the object we set out to achieve.
It may be said that, during the year, every shop or place
where food is prepared or sold was visited, some on several
occasions and where defects or deficiences were noted these
were brought to the notice of the manager or proprietor, or to
the offending employee. The most frequent shortcoming was the
lack of a constant supply of hot water for washing hands. The
Food and Drugs Act, 1938 lays down that there shall be
provided in or within a reasonable distance of the room (in
which food is being prepared for sale) suitable washing basins
with a sufficient supply of ... . clean water, both hot and cold.
I cannot myself see that this can mean anything other than a
constant supply of hot and cold water. It has been argued
however, that this could not be legally enforced. Nevertheless,
by dint of persuasion constant supply hot water heaters have
been installed at a number of premises where they did not
previously exist. Sixty-eight letters were sent to proprietors
requesting remedial measures in addition to verbal notifications
of minor deficiences given at the time of visit. Copies of
the new food bye-laws were sent to the occupiers of all
premises where food is prepared or sold. It is important
that these be read in conjunction with section 13 of the Food
and Drugs Act which they do not supersede but supplement.
For the purpose of abating nuisances or executing repairs
to houses the following notices were served:—
Preliminary 184
Abatement 42
Informal (dustbin only) 6
Formal (dustbin only) 5