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FOOD HYGIENE (Cont.)
Whilst the standard of hygiene has been maintained
at a reasonably satisfactory level, it is a subject which
calls for constant attention by the Inspectors. No
prosecutions were taken during the year.
Reference was made in last year's report to street
trading and delivery of unwrapped foods from vehicles. No
real improvement has been observed, and there seems little
likelihood of a change for the better until either the
public take a different view of such things or new
legislation is introduced to make enforcement action
possible.
There is no doubt that the street trader has a great
attraction for a lot of people particularly as his wares
are invariably cheaper than current shop prices, and the
question of hygiene is completely disregarded by those who
patronise such traders.
Delivery of unwrapped bread by roundsmen cannot be
regarded as a hygienic operation, but the public still
expect the service and do not seem interested in how it
is effected.
During the year the Council gave consideration to
the problem of dogs in food premises and decided to issue
to traders small official notices suitable for display
on windows or doors worded as follows:-
"In the interest of hygiene you are requested
not to bring your dog into premises in which
food is sold".
All food traders were sent copies of this notice
and invited to display it, and whilst a large number
welcomed it and were pleased to make use of it, there
were a number who felt unable to take such a step for fear
of losing customers. This difficulty had been expected
and there would seem to be no way of overcoming it except
to make it an offence for dogs to be brought into food
premises by customers.
39.