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100
I have received the following report from Mr. Syms:—
During the period under review the Ice Cream Trade has suffered
from the effects of a bad season. Several makers have reverted to Sale
only, obtaining their supplies from the wholesale manufacturers.
The number of Itinerant Vendors has increased but as this commodity
is now sold mostly in cartons or wrapped packets, the supervision required
is small. The practice of cutting the packet cream to allow serving
halfpenny portions is impossible to stop. I have stressed the necessity
for a special knife, to be kept in the top of the conservator when not in
use and to be sterilized in boiling water each day. Towards the end of the
season examination of these knives revealed that a marked improvement
had been made in their condition.
At the close of the year the Register reveals the following facts:—
Premises registered for Manufacture and Sale 92
Premises registered during 1936 6
Discontinued during 1936 15
Premises registered for Sale 96
Premises registered during 1936 11
Discontinued during 1936 25
Periodical inspection has been carried out and with a few exceptions
the trade is conducted on hygienic lines. Where conditions were found
unsatisfactory immediate steps were taken to ensure the necessary
alteration. The power to close unsatisfactory Ice Cream premises is a
very heplful factor when dealing with such cases. The importance of
sterilization of all equipment and plant has been stressed and no case
of serious neglect was found during my inspections.
Modern equipment, both for manufacture and storage has been
considerably increased and the advance in this connection among the
Italian Trade is marked. The former method of hand churning had
many disadvantages and was fraught with danger in regard to contamination
by careless handling.
The wholesale factory rebuilt last year has been in full commission
during the year. Alteration and improvement of the mechanical plant
is still in progress. The management have from time to time taken
samples for bacteriological examination, to ascertain that the standard
of purity was being maintained. The Cream Room and Packing Room
are now entirely separated from the other sections of the business.