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126
Food Preparation Premises -
Premises on register for the preparation or manufacture of
sausages or potted, pressed, pickled or preserved meat, fish or
other food intended for sale 343
Hawkers —
Hawkers of food, and premises used for the storage of such
food, on register 137
(b) Sampling:
(i) Food and Drugs -
In a world of rising population and the growth of urban and industrial life,
the multitudes to be fed have created ever increasing pressures upon the available
food sources.
Scientific and technical knowledge have enabled greater yields to be harvested
and marketed. Faster transportation allied to modern preservation and
packaging have developed wider markets to satisfy and stimulate changing food
habits.
In solving some problems, others are thereby created. Fertilisers and pesticides
are used in vast quantities for crops. Hormones and antibiotics are used
for livestock. Mew strains are evolved. Food is then prepared for the market
using modern factory techniques. Emulsifiers, preservatives, stabilisers, colouring
additives, fungicides etc. are used. Standards are laid down and reviewedresearch
is world wide and continuous.
Hence the necessity for food and drugs sampling to ensure that standards
are maintained. A comprehensive sampling programme has been carried out and
is continuing over the full range of food products. New and traditional products
are sampled regularly; complaints are investigated and samples submitted for
analysis.
Manufacturers, suppliers and traders are informed to keep them aware that
sampling and checking is continuously being carried out. In this technological
age sampling of the nation's food supplies becomes more vital each succeeding
year.
During the year, 429 samples were submitted to the Public Analyst. 21 were
found to be unsatisfactory and appropriate action taken in each case. Included
in these, were 16 samples submitted as a result of complaints received, of which
8 were found unsatisfactory.
Appendix 27 gives the list of foods sampled, and it will be seen that the
range is very comprehensive. Only 13 of the samples obtained by routine sampling
procedures were unsatisfactory (mainly labelling infringements).