[Report 1960] / Medical Officer of Health, Northampton County Borough.

Inspection and Supervision of Food (continued) In addition to the meat produced from these slaughterhouses, there are four depots from which home killed and imported meat and offal is distributed. The Slaughterhouse Report was published and submitted to the Minister. After the appointed day, it appears likely that the total slaughter¬ houses on the register will be reduced by two and new premises will be erected in place of the Corporation premises at the Cattlemarket. Sunday slaughtering is still an inconvenience and it is considered that this could be discontinued if large refrigerated cooling houses were built. There is not a logical argument which can be put forward justifying the need for this practice. The occupiers of the slaughterhouses avail themselves of the Disin¬ festation Service and monthly anti-fly spraying is carried out at each of the premises at a charge of 5s. Od. per visit. Slaughter of Animals. At the end of 1960, the names of 42 slaughter¬ men were on the register kept under the Slaughter of Animals Acts, 1954 to 1958. Three slaughterhouses have already approved type stunning boxes installed. The Diseases of Animals (Waste Foods) Order, 1957. This Order requires the licensing of all plant and equipment used for boiling waste foods prior to being fed to animals and poultry, except in respect of such plant and equipment operated by persons having not more than 4 weaned pigs and 50 head of poultry who boil waste foods for feeding on their premises to their own stock. Broadly speaking, the conditions to be fulfilled concern the satisfactory layout of the premises and suitable means for sterilising the waste food. 14 licences were in operation. Bakehouses. Thirty-seven visits were paid to the 32 bakehouses on the register. More time should have been devoted to this work, but the shortage of staff made it impossible. Ice Cream, At the end of 1960, the following registrations of ice cream premises under Section 16, Food and Drugs Act, 1955, were in operation :— Group I. Storing and selling prepacked ice cream . 416 Group II. Storing and selling bulk ice cream. 27 Group III. Manufacturing, storing, and selling cold mix ice cream . 9 Group IV. Manufacturing, storing, and selling hot mix ice cream . 2 Total . 454 It has not been possible to make any routine inspections under the Ice Cream (Heat Treatment, etc.) Regulations, 1959, but premises have been inspected where a new application is received or a change of occupier is notified.