Worries on handling fireworks and food

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33693, 16 November 1974, Page 16

Worries on handling fireworks and food

Hitherto there had been little criticism that fireworks created particularly unhygienic problems in dairies, the Minister of Health (Mr King) says in reply to a correspondent to "The Press” who was concerned about people handling fireworks and food.

The correspondent, “Concerned Grandma,” wrote:— "Anyone who has handled ; fireworks even in small quan titles knows the filth on one’s hands when doing so. Does the Health Department not show anv concern to see fireworks, food, etc., all being, sold by the same persons! • often with no hand-washing between sales)? My advice to ail is that no unwrapped food should be bought over this! period.” "The Food Hygiene Regu-| lations, 1974, make specific' provision for the conduct of ■ workers who are engaged ?n handling food and for the ! maintenance and conduct food premises — and. of| course, food premises are anv premises on ot at which food is manufactured, ore nared. packed, stored, or from which food is sold,”! said Mr King. “AU such premises have; to be registered. They are! required to be equipped with!

a wash-hand basin, supplied with hot and cold water. All appliances for the sale of food (which means glass cases or shelves) are required to be kept clean. “Hitherto there has been little criticism that fireworks have created particularly unhvgienic problems in dairies. Manv other commodities, which require the handler to wash his or her hands before handling food, are sold through these shops. “Inspectors of the Department of Health and the local authoritv are constantly on the watch for anyone who! does not comply with the re-1 julations—but this is only! ">ne aspect of their work, and i hev cannot keep each shop! ind»r constant observation. ' “If anv member of the pubic has cause to complain! ibout the wav in which food! s- handled, or stored, a com-' rlaint should be made to the; ocal authority health inspec-i :or, who will promptlv inves- j igate it,” said Mr King. 1