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37
METROPOLITAN BOROUGHS' STANDING
JOINT COMMITTEE.
CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING ICE CREAM.
4th November, 1946.
"1. Sale and Manufacture of Ice Cream.
(a) In a letter, dated 26th September, 1946, the Fulham
Borough Council state that they have received a report from their
Committee on the steps which are taken under existing powers for
the inspection of premises used for the sale or manufacture of ice
cream and on the results of analysis of samples from retailers and
street vendors. Whilst it is clear that all possible action is taken
to ensure that ice cream sold in Fulham is in a wholesome condition,
emphasis is laid on the dangers which arise when ice cream is sold
unwrapped or in bulk form. It is pointed out that from the public
health point of view the cleanliness of ice cream is perhaps of more
importance than its chemical composition and that until it is made
an offence to retail unwrapped ice cream, high bacteriological content
must be expected in view of the exposure of the ice cream to dust
and dirt whenever a sale takes place. This is especially the case
when unwrapped ice cream is sold by street vendors. The Committee
are requested to take the opportunity of pressing for legislation
within the framework of the proposed regulations relating to
heat treatment of ice cream to make it compulsory for ice cream
to be sold wrapped.
(b) On 29th July last we reported with regard to draft ice
cream (heat treatment) regulations proposed to be made by the
Ministry of Health and set forth the views of the Ministry regarding
cleanliness in the manufacture of ice cream and its bacteriological
content. The Committee authorised the making of certain observations
based on a report of the Medical Advisory Board. Draft
regulations have now been made and published by the Ministry and
representations thereon may be made within 40 days from publication
We have authorised the making of supplemental representations
to cover the points on which submissions have already been
made.
(c) On the additional question raised by Fulham, we are
advised that it is very desirable in the case of the sale of ice cream
in the street that it should be sold wrapped, and we have requested
the Medical Advisory Body to report in detail with regard to the
matter. In our opinion the Committee should support the proposal
of the Fulham Borough Council and the Minister should be asked to