CLEAN FOOD

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 15, 12 October 1927, Page 10

CLEAN FOOD

PROTECTION OF FISH IN SHOPS

STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS

Thirty Wellington flsh shops arc affected by a decision, of the city health department that shops exposing food for sale must either provide a case under which the food is ro be kept, or else fit window and door screens to save it from contamination.

This move is made under regulations issued by the State Health Department, following the passing of the Health Act of 1924. The city was called upon to enforce these regulations some two years ago, and the newly-created city department first concentrated upon the question of butchers’ shops. All butchers’ shops in the city have now complied with the regulations, but there was a clause which gave partial exemption to fish shops, since it was considered somewhat questionable whether fish could be enclosed.

The department has determined that since dust settles upon exposed fish and dries it, since a too liberal use of fresh water also does not have a good effect upon fish, and it must be protected from dust and flies, shopkeepers must take steps to comply with the regulations. Certain shops have offered to take action within limits., but the department cannot consider any limitation of compliance with the demands which are made in the interests of public health A point has also arisen with reference to butchers’ shops. Though all the shops are fitted with screen doors, the department, in the past, has not insisted upon the closing of these doors in busy hours when customers are constantly entering and leaving the shops, but has expected the doors to be kept shut during slack periods. Now it is found that in some shops the doors are never shut during working hours, and it has been determined that action shall be taken to ensure compliance with the department’s requirements for the future.