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70
Bacteriological Food Control
This form of sampling is designed to prevent the sale of food which is
diseased, unsound, unwholesome or "unfit' for human consumption. In particular
it establishes whether or not food is free from infective organisms which
could cause disease. It also checks for the excessive growth of organisms
(not necessarily pathogens) which could indicate contamination of the food
before sale, or excessive age.
The following list of samples and specimens was submitted for bacteriological
examination to the Public Health Laboratory Service, County Hall,
whose co-operation throughout the year was greatly appreciated:-
Ice Cream 41
Milk 38
Manufactured foods 83
Imported foods 366
Drinking Water 11
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Imported Food
The amount of imported food entering the Borough lessened owing to an
industrial dispute at one of the two large cold stores.
Regular visits were made by Public Health Inspectors and samples taken
from consignments for analysis. The photo on Page shows sampling in
progress.
During the year the trend appeared to be for less food to be coming
from the Commonwealth, with a commensurate increase from the Common Market
countries.
WATER SUPPLY
The Metropolitan Water Board is responsible for supplying water to this
area and the Director of Water Examination has kindly supplied the following
information: -
The supply was satisfactory both as to quality and quantity throughout
1972.
All new and repaired mains are disinfected with chloride; after a predetermined
period of contact the pipes are flushed out and refilled; samples
of water are then collected from these treated mains; and the mains are
returned to service only after the analytical results are found to be
satisfactory.
The quality control from these laboratories is carried out by means of
daily sampling from sources of supply, from the treatment works or well
stations, from the distribution system, and through to the consumer. Any
sign of contamination or any other abnormality is immediately investigated.
The Board has no record of the number of structurally separate dwellings
supplied in your area, but the population supplied direct according to the
Registrar-General's estimates at 30th June, 1972, was 215,270.