[Report 1970] / Medical Officer of Health, Oxford City.

  • Oxford (England). City Council. no2012034102.
Date:
1970
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1970] / Medical Officer of Health, Oxford City. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    236/254 (page 214)
    A schedule of evening inspections of Hot Dog vehicles was organised throughout the year and confirmed that generally 8-10 vehicles are plying regularly for trade on any particular evening in the City. A reason¬ able standard of compliance with the Regulations was found but occasion¬ ally there were lapses which needed attention. This type of trade requires constant vigilance and firm handling. The St. Giles’ Fair was carefully supervised on both days and Inspec¬ tors were on duty in afternoons and evenings to ensure that a reasonable standard of food hygiene was maintained. It is pleasing to note there was a reduction in the number of contraventions and only 5 “on the spot” informal notices were issued. These were readily complied with. Quite a high standard of equipment is now provided by food handlers, particularly in regard to washing facilities, but unfortunately they are not seen to be used as often as one would like. Only continual education in proper food handling techniques will bring about improvement. The refuse storage provision made by the City Engineer’s Department and the mains water stand pipes of the Water Board provided for the stall-holders were commented on favourably, being certainly an improvement on conditions in previous years. The Cleansing Section of the City Engineer’s Department and the City Estates Department staff are to be complimented on the expeditious and commendable way in which the cleaning up opera¬ tions were carried out at the end of the Fair. Noise readings were again taken in the vicinity of certain noise produc¬ tion sources and all proved lower than previous years, with one exception, which was at a particular type of ride called “The Rotor”. (c) Hygiene Education and Publicity The Chief Inspector, his Deputy and other members of staff gave various lectures and talks to different bodies during the year. Visits were arranged for Student Nurses and Medical staff as part of their practical training and lectures were continued at the Polytechnic Catering School and certain schools where Domestic Science classes are held. The use of mounted specimens, coloured slides and film strips as visual aids make the talks more interesting. 12 lectures were given by the Chief Inspector, 14 by the Deputy and 5 by other Senior Inspectors. 15 sets of visits were arranged for various student groups. Close co-operation continues to be forthcoming from Domestic Bursars and Stewards of Colleges, Hospital catering supervisory staff and members of the food trade generally throughout the City. (d) Hospital and College Hygiene 432 (402) visits were made to Colleges during the year and 486 (299) to hospital premises for advisory purposes. The Pest Control staff devoted a considerable amount of time to requests for treatment in the Colleges and hospitals. Food hygiene standards were found to be quite good and it is