REHIS News

The Drinking Water Quality Regulator are about to embark on a project that will consider ways to better handle the Private Water Supply (PWS) data. 

The Institute of Food Science and Technology have produced Questions and Answers regarding What do we know about viruses, coronaviruses and their impact on food safety and food supply chains?

Q1. Why be concerned about viruses in the food supply chain? 

The majority of respondents to a consultation on banning smoking near hospital buildings support a 15-metre enforcement zone to protect people from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

A total of 559 people or organisations commented on the possible introduction of a legally-enforceable no-smoking area around hospital buildings. 72% of them agreed that 15 metres was a suitable distance.

Environmental Health Officer’s around Scotland have now begun their role as contact tracers for Test and Protect- Scotland’s approach to implemented the “test, trace, isolate support” strategy. 

Since 28 May 2020, once an individual receives a positive result, a team of contact tracers will then gather details on individuals who have been in contact with the person who tested positive. The contact tracers will then proceed to contact these individuals and advise them to isolate.

Food Standard’s Scotland have updated their COVID-19 Guidance for Food Business Operators and Their Employees on 19 June.

The update includes further clarification on the use of PPE, face masks and face coverings and fitness to work policy.

The Scottish Government and UK Hospitality have both published guidance to support Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector to reopen safety. 

The industry has been asked to prepare for reopening on 15 July, if sufficient progress is made to move to phase 3 of the route-map.

The Scottish Government’s guidance sets out the key public health measures that will need to be taken to allow safe reopening, including:

The Scottish Government has decided to pause plans to limit the way foods high in fat, sugar or salt can be promoted in the country and will not be taking forward the Restricting Food Promotions Bill. 

In September last year, the government pledged to bring the Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions forward before the end of this parliament in an attempt to address the obesity problem in Scotland. 

HSE has issued a safety alert about the poor quality of face masks claiming to be KN95.

The Institute has put in temporary measures to permit Approved Training Centres to deliver courses by remote learning by the use of live virtual training. Some courses are also available by eLearning. Even although Scotland appears to moving towards Phase 2 of the 'exit of lock-down' strategy, remote learning continues to be permitted by the Institute.

OpenLearn is a free learning platform, delivered by The Open University as part of its Royal Charter commitment to support the wellbeing of the community. 

OpenLearn delivers bite-sized learning experiences designed to fit easily into daily life.  Content covers a wide range of subjects, with many of the free courses being adapted extractions from OU modules. All courses enable you to earn a Statement of participation and some also allow you to earn a free digital badge.