View report page

OUTBREAKS OF FOOD POISONING, AND CLEAN FOOD
CAMPAIGN
The Minister of Health during the year emphasised the need for local
authorities to investigate very closely the conditions under which food is
prepared and purveyed in their districts.
While no cases of food poisoning were notified to the Public Health
Department of this Corporation during the year, there has been a large
increase in the number of notified cases throughout the whole of England
and Wales. The great numbers of persons having meals away from home,
including school children taking school meals, has inevitably created
a greater risk of food poisoning.
The Medical Officer of Health attended a special conference, convened
by the Minister of Health for members of local authorities
and their officers, where the conditions under which food is prepared
and offered for sale were very fully discussed. The Sanitary Inspectors
have intensified their supervisory control and have also given lectures
to interested groups in the catering trade on the subject of clean food.
The Corporation approached the Minister for permission to introduce
bye-laws for securing the observance of sanitary and cleanly conditions
and practices in connection with the handling, wrapping and delivery
of food and sale of food in the open air. The Minister of Food confirmed
the bye-laws on the 21st November, 1950, and fixed the date they should
come into operation as the 1st January, 1951.
NUTRITION
The general standard of nutrition amongst infants and toddlers
attending infant welfare centres continues on a reasonably high level.
No gross vitamin deficiencies were noted and it would appear that mothers
are taking full advantage of the Government scheme for the provision
of welfare foods. Since the transfer of the services to the Surrey County
Council, proprietary brands of vitamin preparations, in addition to those
provided under the Government's welfare food scheme, have been offered
for sale at reduced charges to parents attending infant welfare centres.
This service has been much appreciated, as many children cannot digest
cod liver oil, and, in some cases, orange juice.
SHELL FISH (MOLLUSCAN)
Only a small quantity of shell fish is marketed in the district, and is
obtained chiefly from Billingsgate Market, London.
ADOPTIVE ACTS AND BYE-LAWS
The following Acts have been adopted:
Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1890, Parts I, II and III.
Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1907, Parts I to VI and
VIII to X.
Private Street Works Act, 1892.
Public Health Act, 1925.
Public Libraries Acts, 1892-1919.
Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, 1899-1923.
34