REHIS News

Nearly one in three foodborne outbreaks in the EU in 2018 were caused by Salmonella. This is one of the main findings of the annual report on trends and sources of zoonoses published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

In 2018, EU Member States reported 5,146 foodborne outbreaks affecting 48,365 people.

The Scottish Government are seeking views on a range of issues which may improve the operational effectiveness of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010.

A UK survey, which analysed both the sugar and calorie content of the largest available sizes of hot chocolates and seasonal lattes made with milk and milk alternatives by popular high street chains, allegedly revealed that certain seasonal beverages contain almost as much sugar as three cans of cola.

NHS Fife has published a report on the health impacts of flaring at the Mossmorran plant.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician has released Diet and Healthy Weight statistics.

This is a compendium publication bringing together data mostly already published by various other sources on obesity, diabetes, diet, healthy living awards and sales of soft drinks, confectionery, biscuits, cakes and pastries.

Main findings

·       In 2018, 65% of adults aged 16 and over were overweight, including 28% who were obese. Levels of overweight and obesity for adults aged 16-64 increased between 1995 and 2008, but have remained broadly stable since then.

A single wildfire on peatland in Northern Scotland could have released carbon equivalent to six days' worth of Scotland's total greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, according to new research.

Analysis for WWF by Ricardo estimates the impact of a wildfire on the scale of the one which burnt for almost six days on part of the Flow Country in May this year.
The Flow Country is estimated to store 400 million tonnes of carbon and is under consideration for World Heritage Site status for its globally-rare type of blanket peatland.

Lisa McCann has been installed as the REHIS President for the coming year. David Duffy, who stood down as President, handed over the Chain of Office at the Institute's Annual General Meeting on 15 November in Edinburgh. Congratulations to Lisa, we wish her all the best in her new role.

The New REHIS Council were also elected at the Annual General meeting, you can view Members of the Council here.

Scientists have detected an exotic tick-borne parasite within sheep in the North of Scotland, according to a new study.

The research, by scientists at the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, was published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, the journal of the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). 

Argyll and Bute have issued a food safety warning after 20 tonnes of salmon went missing following a lorry crash.

The salmon disappeared following an accident on the A82 near the Bridge of Orchy where a lorry overturned on 10 November.

Argyll and Bute Council environmental health officers say the salmon might have entered the food chain, is potentially unsafe to eat and should not be consumed.

Anyone who has any of the salmon is advised to dispose of it.

The council said in a statement: "It is potentially unsafe to eat and should not be consumed.