View report page

68
A large amount of the work done on the wharves is sampling; this
branch is highly technical and requires considerable tact, skill and experience.
Since the appointment of two additional food inspectors,
more detailed supervision has been possible, and 1 feel confident that
food supplies of every description are being more efficiently dealt with.
The value of the Imported Food Regulations is evinced by the
fact that previous to their issue, i.e., 1901-8, the average yearly tonnage
of imported food destroyed was approximately 117 tons, since that time
(1908) the figure has increased fourfold, which amply illustrates their
usefulness in protecting the food supply of the inhabitants of the
Borough and of the country generally. Further, many large consignments
of imported food have been subject to special examination, and
a resume of these, with the action taken, is appropriate.
ONCHOCERCIASIS.
This condition is described as worm nests in beef, and for its
detection necessitated cutting deep into the tissue of each frozen
carcase with a shave hook.
This method of dealing with the carcases was regarded as unsatisfactory,
besides entailing an enormous amount of work.
It was therefore decided to remove those parts of the carcase
affected, namely, the flanks and brisket completely.
This process, however, caused a great amount of good beef to
be wasted, and after consultation it was agreed that the affected parts
should be removed in the country of origin, where the portions could
be utilised.
The result of this arrangement proved satisfactory, as the disease
is very rarely found in imported carcases arriving in this country to-day.
OESOPHAGASTOMA COLUMBIANUM.
This condition is a small worm found in sausage casings. Each
consignment had, of necessity, to be sorted, which entailed an enormous
amount of work for the inspector. It was therefore arranged with the
Australian and South American authorities that the casings should be
thoroughly examined before shipment, with the result that this disease
is now seldom found.
ACTINOMYCOSIS.
This disease, which can be described as a parasitical abscess,
appeared in large consignments of frozen ox tongues from South
America, 5 to 10 per cent, of which were found affected.
The importers were communicated with, since when the examination
in the country of origin has been more stringent, and very few
tongues are now found to be affected on arrival on this side.