[Report 1947] / Medical Officer of Health, New Forest R.D.C.

  • New Forest (Hampshire, England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1947
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1947] / Medical Officer of Health, New Forest R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    17/32 (page 15)
    There are now 40 producers of “Tuberculin Tested” milk and 41 “Accredited” producers in the district, representing an increase of 6 and 4 respectively over 1946. Whilst the number of producers of “T.T.” milk has slightly increased in the past few years, the total number repre sents only a small proportion of the total number of producers. This is very disappointing in view of the publicity and efforts given to this subject by the Public Health Committee. The County Council is the responsible authority for licenc¬ ing producers of “Special Designated” milk, and the District Council for Supplementary and Dealers’ licences. During the year the Council have issued 1 Bottling and 3 Dealers’ licences in respect of “T.T.” milk, and 4 Dealers’ and 2 Supplementary licences for the sale of “Pasteurised” milk. 18 samples of Pasteurised milk were taken in course of delivery, all complying with the Regulations. During the summer months a number of complaints were received regarding the keeping quality and cleanliness of milk supplied by certain Producer/Retailers. 14 samples were taken for bacteriological examination. The results of the examination and the subsequent action taken thereon proved the complaints to be justified. The cause was attributed to want of cleanli¬ ness and hygienic method of production. The fact is still not appreciated by many, including Producer, Retailer and Consumer, that the keeping quality of milk is dependent upon its cleanliness, which can only be brought about by thorough cleanliness in all its aspects, hygienic methods of production, and cleanliness of utensils. No pathogenic organisms were found in any of the samples. The County Council is responsible for the qualitative examination of milk, and complaints received by the Health Department are passed to the officer responsible. 203 inspections were made during the year, and the follow¬ ing work completed :— Construction of new cowsheds ... ... 5 Construction of new dairies ... ... 4 New cowshed floors ... ... ... 3 New drainage systems provided ... ... 2 Improved lighting and ventilation ... ... 3 Limewashing carried out ... ... ... 61 New cooling apparatus provided ••• ... 3 Other unclean conditions remedied ... ... 23 The principle of clean milk production has been given first consideration, and whilst good results have been maintained generally, it is still thought by many that clean milk is costly to produce, involving extra labour, expensive buildings and equip¬ ment if success is to be achieved. This conception is indeed