Author: Peacock Carter

An exciting new training resource is now available which aims to make Elementary Food Hygiene courses more memorable and effective for learners.

Originally designed around the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene course material, the game is equally relevant and useful for learners across the country and supports Level 2 Food Safety training. Supplementary question cards are provided where recommendations differ between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

The Food Hygiene Game is ideally suited for structured food hygiene training courses, or as an informal learning activity in the hospitality or catering industry. It is also a fantastic resource for food education in Home Economics, Food Technology or other food related classes at school or college.

To learn more and get your copy of The Food Hygiene Game priced at £60 (+VAT) visit here. 

A new public information leaflet on E. coli O157/STEC has been developed and is now available on the HPS website and can be accessed here.

The leaflet provides information to the public on E. coli O157 and other STEC infections including:

• What are E. coli O157 and STEC?
• Where is STEC found?
• How can infection be avoided?

Some simple but effective precautions include:

• Washing and drying hands thoroughly using running warm water and liquid soap.
• Minimising contact with animal faeces.
• Good food hygiene practices.
• Not drinking untreated water.

The leaflet has been developed to replace the older ‘Simple precautions for reducing the risk of E. coli O157 infection in rural families and visitors’ leaflet and has been designed to give general information on what E. coli O157/STEC is and some general advice on how to avoid infection.

It is not intended as a patient information leaflet for cases. A separate patient information leaflet, intended for cases/parents, has been developed and will go out for consultation with the E. coli O157/STEC clinical guidelines.

New legislation is now in force for private water supplies (pws).

The Water Intended for Human Consumption (Private Supplies) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 govern the quality of water supplied to private water supplies which are subject to the provisions of European Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption ("the Drinking Water Directive").

These Regulations supersede the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006 to the extent that they apply to such supplies.  For smaller supplies exempt from the Directive the 2006 Regulations continue to apply. The Water Intended for Human Consumption 2017 Regulations may be found here.

The 2017 Regulations were subsequently amended by the Public and Private Water Supplies (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.  These regulations may be found here.

Guidance for Local authorities has produced by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator on the new regulations and can be accessed here.

Furthermore, an online mapping resource can help Local Authorities explore pws zones within their area.

Due to these changes DWQR will be holding a workshop later on in the year.

Local authorities are reminded that the pws returns are due soon. The 2016 Annual Report can be found here. 

Scotland’s international exports for food and drink has increased by £275 million to £5.5 billion in 2016.

The rise revealed in National Statistics Publication: Export Statistics Scotland (ESS) 2016 has been driven by strong whisky exports (£4.0 billion in 2016). The manufacture of food and beverages continues to be the largest industry for international exports in Scotland.

International food and drink exports to the EU are up by £70 million (3.5%), however overall, export figures to the EU and the rest of the UK reduced, the latter largely due to the downturn in the oil and gas sector, as well as in energy related exports following the closure of Longannet power station. The oil and gas sector has now stabilised with activity beginning to increase.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said:
“It is encouraging to see that international exports continue to increase for Scottish businesses.

“Our Food and Drink sector is performing particularly well and as we implement our Trade & Investment Strategy and the outcome of the Enterprise & Skills Review we must now take the lessons that have been learned growing food and drink exports and encourage other sectors to follow their lead. It is encouraging to see increasing international interest in our professional and scientific services.

“These figures do, of course, cover a year of considerable uncertainty with the EU Referendum, the downturn in the oil and gas sector and the closure of Longannet – all of which have had an impact on these historic figures. However it is clear that if the UK Government continues in its plan to withdraw from the European single market and the customs union, putting barriers in the way of international exports, that our economy could be severely damaged in future.

“As part of our efforts to boost Scotland’s export performance in any circumstance we have appointed Trade Envoys to champion Scottish interests at home and abroad, we’re continuing to enhance the SDI presence in Europe and we’re establishing new international innovation and investment hubs.

“And we will continue to push to remain in, at least, the single market and customs union and retain and rebuild the relationships Scottish businesses have in Europe.”

A majority of Scots support plans to restrict supermarket price offers on unhealthy junk food, a poll has found.

The survey for Cancer Research UK found calls for the Scottish Government to restrict price promotions for fatty, sugary and salty food were supported by 62% of adults in Scotland.

The survey also found that two thirds of Scots are worried about their weight or the weight of a family member. It also found 82% of Scots said supermarket deals which offered extra items for free encouraged people to buy unhealthy food.

The charity said obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking and support strong action.

Restrictions are part of the Government’s diet and obesity strategy to help people lose weight.

A consultation on the plans, which would also see the broadcast of TV adverts for unhealthy food banned before the 9pm watershed will be debated on 1 February in Scottish Parliament.

Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’s cancer prevention expert, said: “This survey shows that obesity is a worry for all of us – and with good reason. Obesity is linked to 13 different types of cancer.

“When we stock our cupboards with cheap chocolate, crisps and biscuits, we are getting far more than we bargained for. Obesity costs us dearly and this survey tells us the public want action.

“On World Cancer Day, we hope politicians will unite to call time on obesity in Scotland. In the fight against obesity, laws to restrict the tempting junk food deals that are at the heart of Scotland’s poor diet will be crucial.

“The evidence for action keeps piling up. We must do much more to make sure the pounds don’t keep piling on.”

The YouGov poll surveyed 1037 Scottish adults in early December.

A final report into the investigation into carbon dioxide (CO₂) leaks into homes in the former mining village of Gorebridge in Midlothian has been published.

In recent years there have been many reports of new construction products with innovative properties, such as very high-strength concrete, selfcleaning windows and novel insulation materials. Many of these products are facilitated by nanotechnology: technological advances in electron microscopes have enabled the study and manipulation of matter at an atomic level. This new science has supported acceleration in the development of new products. It has been suggested that nanomaterials might account for up to half of our building materials by 2025.

However, concerns have been raised that some nanomaterials may be hazardous due to the presence of very small particles. There have also been similarities observed between some nanomaterials and asbestos fibres.

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has recently published a report based on research by a team of Loughborough University researchers on nanotechnology safety. The research was carried out to improve understanding of how nanomaterials are being used in construction and what health risks might arise for those constructing or, in the future, refurbishing or demolishing buildings. A supplementary guide has also been developed for health and safety practitioners and industry stakeholders on how to minimise any risks.

The full report and supplementary guidance can be found here.

On 11 January, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced a 25-year plan to "nurture" the environment, referring to it as a "national plan with international ambitions".

The Policy Paper titled “A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment”, sets out goals and targets under environmental themes such as clean air, minimising waste, enhancing biosecurity and reducing the risks of harm from environmental hazards.

The primary focus of the plan has been centred around reducing plastic waste and has set the goal to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste in the UK by 2042.

In addition, supermarkets will be urged to introduce "plastic-free" aisles while taxes and charges on single-use items such as takeaway containers will be considered.

However, the plan also focuses on more than plastic waste and other polices in the plan include:

·      Cracking down on fly-tippers and waste criminals

·      Publishing a Clean Air Strategy

·      Minimising the risk of chemical contamination in our water

·      Tackling climate change

·      Helping primary schools create nature-friendly grounds

·      Creating more green infrastructure

·      Planting more trees in and around our towns and cities

In her speech, Theresa May said: "We look back in horror at some of the damage done to our environment in the past and wonder how anyone could have thought that, for example, dumping toxic chemicals into rivers was ever the right thing to do."

She called plastic waste "one of the great environmental scourges of our time", adding: "In the UK alone, the amount of single-use plastic wasted every year would fill 1,000 Royal Albert Halls."

The Policy Paper has received both a warm welcome and wide criticism for not going far enough.

The Independent lead with a headline asking whether the policy is ‘fundamentally flawed’ because it provides little in the way of legislation to back up ambition.

Others, such as the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) saw the 25-year plan as a potential turning point which would allow us to restore the environment rather continuing to destroy it.

Friends of the Earth's welcomed a long-term vision but called for urgent action now, and Greenpeace called for a detailed 25-month plan, rather than a 25-year vision.

A UK-wide prohibition on the use of plastic microbeads in the manufacture of some cosmetic and personal care products has come into effect. The ban initially prohibits the manufacture of such products and then a ban on sales will follow in July.

These tiny pieces of plastic are added to rinse-off products such as face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels. The small spherical beads, designed to help with exfoliation are washed down the drain and often slip through waste-water treatment plants which then end up in the seas.

The government has been convinced to act after growing concern over the impact of these tiny plastic beads on marine life as they do not degrade over time and can transport toxic chemicals into marine organisms. The UK government first pledged to ban plastic microbeads in September 2016, following a United States ban in 2015.

Pressure is now mounting for action on plastic bottles as they make up a third of the plastic litter in the seas. In December, the UK’s environmental audit committee (EAC) of MPs called for a deposit return scheme, which has successfully increased recycling rates in other countries.

Mary Creagh MP, Environmental Audit Committee chair, said: “The microbead ban is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done. Since we called for a ban, my committee has also recommended the deposit return scheme, a latte levy for plastic-lined coffee cups and reforms to make producers responsible for their packaging. We look forward to hearing the government’s response.”

The Prime Minister, Theresa May tweeted: “In 2015 we introduced the 5p charge on plastic carrier bags, we now see 9bn fewer bags being used. It’s making a real difference. We want to do the same with single use plastics. Nobody who watched #BluePlanet2 will doubt the need for us to do something – and we will.”

A food business operator of a takeaway in Aberdeen has been prosecuted and fined for food hygiene offences.

Mohammed Kioum who runs Get Stuffed on Market Street pled guilty to six charges and was sentenced at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 8 January 2018. The charges related to failure to comply with hygiene improvement notices under Regulation 6(2) of the Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and contravention and failure to comply with any specified Community provision under Regulation 17(1) of the Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006. These specifically referred to an incomplete and unimplemented food safety management system, equipment disrepair, poor cleaning standards and inadequate personal hygiene.

The notices were served following initial visits by Aberdeen City Council Environmental Health Officers in February and June 2016. On the revisits in August 2016 and again in January 2017 they discovered that the notices had not been complied with.

During the visits they noticed poor personal hygiene and on one occasion witnessed an employee preparing food without washing their hands after having handled money. On all occasions the premises had inadequate cleaning standards.

Representing Mr Kioum, defence lawyer Chris Maitland said his client had attempted to carry out the improvements. He said: “He has now provided the relevant training to his staff.”

Sheriff, Andrew Miller said: “It is very important that anyone responsible for the running of businesses which serves food to members of the public is aware of and complies with hygiene provisions.

“I take account of the fact you have no prior convictions and no record of breaches of this legislation.”

Mr Kioum was fined £300 each for two charges, totalling £600. He was admonished and dismissed for the other four charges

Aberdeen City Council’s policy is to prosecute if a hygiene improvement notice is not complied with. Prosecution reports are very time consuming but in this case it has proven to be worthwhile and demonstrates that poor food hygiene standards will not be tolerated.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has launched its new food safety campaign aimed at encouraging good food safety practices in the home, and raising awareness of how changes to our preparation and cooking behaviour can reduce the likelihood of getting food poisoning.

The campaign highlights 20 common ‘kitchen crimes’ which could potentially lead to food poisoning. A recent survey for FSS has shown that people in Scotland only follow 11 out of 20 food safety practices on average.

There are estimated to be around 43,000 estimated cases of foodborne illness in Scotland annually, so the importance of good food safety hygiene in the home should not be overlooked.

The campaign features tongue-in-cheek creative posters of everyday people holding up a food crime mug shot board. You can find out if you are a “Ham Sniffer”, “Dodgy Chiller” or “Chicken Washer” or one of the other 20 “Kitchen Crimes” by completing the online quiz. You might be committing more crimes than you think!

The campaign is being supported by Lidl, Tesco, Mumsnet, Dads Rock, Parenting Across Scotland and Scottish local authorites. The campaign will run from 10 January to 31 January. 

Scottish MSP Kate Forbes has officially launched her Final Straw campaign which calls on Scottish and UK Governments to ban plastic straws.

The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is highlighting the damage caused by single-use disposable plastic items to both onshore and marine environment in Scotland.

Items such as plastic straws can take up to 500 years to decompose, despite only being used for less than half an hour. It is estimated that in Scotland £3 billion straws every year are thrown out, based on US estimates of people using an average of 1.6 straws per day every year.

Ms Forbes wants to see the use of plastic straws banned but stressed: “Any ban has got to be UK-wide because the sea does not respect country borders and plastic straws washed out to sea in the south of England could easily end up on the Highland coastline.

“That’s why my campaign calls on both the UK and Scottish governments to crack down on plastic straws as part of an overall strategy to ban single-use, disposable items such as cotton buds and throwaway cutlery where environmentally-friendly alternatives exist.”

She also called on pubs and restaurants to “stop handing out straws automatically and to only provide biodegradable alternatives” – saying the pub chain Wetherspoons had already done so.

Ullapool recently became what it believed to be the first village in the UK to halt the use of plastic straws in all bars, restaurants and cafés after a campaign by school pupils.

Marine Conservation Society has given support for the campaign. Scotland conservation officer Catherine Gemmell said: “It is fantastic to see MSP Kate Forbes call for a ban on plastic straws as they are one of the many single-use plastic items that we find rising in numbers on our beaches, in our seas and impacting our wildlife.

“A straw is only used for minutes, yet will remain in the environment and our oceans for hundreds of years to come.

A Scottish government spokeswoman said it would be “appointing an expert panel to advise on the use of charges and other measures to reduce use of single-use items, which will help towards our ambitious target of reducing all waste by 15% by 2025.”

She added: “With the support of this panel, we will consider the range of ways we could reduce use of throwaway items like plastic straws that are littering our land and seas.
“We all have a role to play in this and we would encourage people to think about whether they need to use such items.”