REHIS News

FSS have issued precautionary advice on cooking processed chicken products following a link to UK cases of salmonella

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and Public Health Scotland (PHS) are reminding consumers to take care when handling and cooking chicken products at home.  

The move comes as both organisations are involved in a multi-agency investigation into a suspected rise in cases of salmonella linked to processed chicken products, which has resulted in two UK product recalls.

On Thursday 15 October the First Minister’s statement announced that from Monday 19 October face coverings must be worn in all communal areas in indoor workplaces, where people mingle or gather (except where exemptions apply such as where measures are in place to keep persons separated).

Face coverings must be worn in all communal areas in indoor workplaces, where people mingle or gather (except where exemptions apply, such as where measures are in place to keep persons separated).

Focus Games have launched a new digital platform ZeST to allow their games to be played as group games on Zoom, MS Teams, etc. and they have just added a version of the Food Hygiene game with a 4 month FREE trial www.zestfocus.com

Food Standards Scotland have updated its guidance for food business operators (FBOs) and their employees on 19 October. It aims to assist all businesses in the food and drink sector in following government guidance on infection prevention and control measures against COVID-19.

Food Standards Scotland has launched a consultation on the implementation of improved allergen labelling on food sold prepacked for direct sale. i.e. food that is packed before being offered for sale by the same food business to the final consumer. e.g. sandwiches placed into packaging by the food business and sold from the same premises.

Tim Lush, Environmental Health Officer at Glasgow City Council, has been working on the Contact Tracing team for NHS Test and Protect. His contribution gives an insight into the role of contact tracing which is becoming more difficult with rise in cases but also increasingly important in combating the pandemic.

1.         Describe your work before the pandemic? 

Public Health Scotland have launched their first Strategic Plan: ‘A Scotland where everybody thrives’

Lisa McCann, Service Manager - Environmental Health (Food & Workplace Safety), Fife Council and President of REHIS Council, discusses how both her roles have adapted and how she hopes that positive changes made with hygiene continues into the future.

1.         Describe your work before the pandemic? 

World Environmental Health Day was launched by the IFEH Council at its meeting in Indonesia on the 26 September 2011. Every year since 2011 this date has been earmarked to celebrate as World Environmental Health Day with a particular theme, celebrating an environmental health issue Worldwide. 

Clean Air Day is the UK's largest air pollution campaign, engaging thousands of people at hundreds of events, and reaching millions more through the media. The campaign normally takes place on the third Thursday in June. 

However, due to COVID-19, this year Clean Air Day is taking place on 8 October 2020, will be rolled out slightly differently and has been updated so more of the campaign is virtual.