Author: Sarah Groom

More than 208 tonnes of unsafe food has been stopped at the UK border by Ashford Port Health Authority, preventing products unfit for consumption from entering the national food supply.

Since November 2024, officers have seized and destroyed 208,563.81kg of food products deemed unsafe which is roughly equivalent to the weight of around 35 elephants. Of this total, 39 tonnes were intercepted and removed from the supply chain since 20 March 2026 alone, highlighting the scale of activity taking place at the UK border.

The Authority confirmed that all costs linked to seizing and destroying the goods are recovered from the importers responsible, meaning the enforcement activity comes at no cost to the UK taxpayer.

Officials say the interceptions underline the critical role port health authorities play in protecting public health and maintaining the integrity of the UK food chain. The seized consignments were not minor administrative breaches but products that posed genuine safety risks, including food that was incorrectly documented, improperly stored, contaminated before or during transit, or failing to meet UK safety standards.

In some cases, such goods can also provide pathways for serious animal and plant diseases to enter the country if they are not identified and stopped at the border.

Operating at the frontline of the UK’s biosecurity system, Ashford Port Health Authority carries out checks on imported goods to ensure they are safe, compliant and fit for consumption. The work has become increasingly important amid recent disease outbreaks in Europe and the continued need to protect the UK’s food chain and agricultural sector.

To support this work, the Authority has also been investing in AI-driven systems to assist with import document checks. The technology helps officers process large volumes of paperwork quickly, enabling inspection teams to focus their expertise on higher-risk consignments.

The latest figures come as scrutiny of UK border controls and food safety systems intensifies, with Ashford Port Health Authority handling the highest volume of commercial freight checks in the country and playing a central role in preventing unsafe food entering the UK market.

The Authority says it will continue investing in systems and processes to strengthen its ability to detect and intercept unsafe goods as import volumes and complexity increase.

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has published its new Strategy, setting out how the organisation will deliver its functions over the next five years. This marks the start of the next chapter for Scotland’s environmental scrutiny body.

The publication coincides with a significant moment for ESS, as the organisation prepares to take on additional scrutiny functions and looks ahead to becoming accountable to a newly elected Scottish Parliament following the May elections, with different committees and a refreshed legislative agenda.

The Strategy sets out four priority areas for ESS’ proactive work – climate change, nature, resources and water – while the document commits the organisation to continuing to receive representations from members of the public on any area of environmental law.

The document also outlines ESS’ vision for Scotland’s environment, along with five strategic objectives and the principles which will guide how the organisation will undertake its work over the next five years.

Alongside the new Strategy, ESS has today published its latest Business Plan for the year ahead, as well as a revised Communications and Engagement Plan and information on its performance indicators.

Dr Richard Dixon, Chair of ESS, said: “Our new Strategy places us in a strong position to navigate this period of change effectively. It will ensure we can continue delivering on our core purpose: making sure that environmental law in Scotland is fit for purpose.

“Our priority areas – climate change, nature, resources and water – reflect the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises in Scotland, and where we believe ESS’ focus can make a real difference.

“We are grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute to our consultation on our draft Strategy. Their feedback has directly shaped and strengthened the final document we are publishing today.”

Since its establishment, ESS has played an important role in strengthening compliance with and the effectiveness of environmental law in Scotland. Its work under the first Strategic Plan has delivered improvements in how Scotland’s environment is protected. For example, ESS has:

• undertaken an investigation to ensure the framework for reporting, monitoring and supporting local authorities in meeting climate change targets is effective

• made recommendations that have led to the increase in monitoring and publishing of information on storm overflows in Scotland and prompted a review of when storm overflows operate

• delivered actions that have strengthened protections for wetland sites, marine habitats and agreed changes to prevent excess incineration capacity
• contributed to the scrutiny of new environmental law in Scotland, including the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026

The new ESS Strategy builds upon this successful approach, ensuring continuity while empowering ESS to expand its role and maintain sharp, evidence‑based scrutiny of environmental law.

Guidance to support the implementation of the Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 has been published.

The Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 will come into force on 1 October 2026.

Building on material published in England and Wales the guidance has been developed with input from a range of stakeholders to support effective implementation of the regulations.

Regulations will make it easier for people to make healthier food choices by:

• targeting food categories that are significant contributors of calories, fat and sugar to the Scottish diet and are the food categories of ‘most concern to childhood obesity’ as described in the UK-wide reformulation programmes;
• restricting promotions of pre-packed food and drink products within targeted food categories that are HFSS;
• restricting certain price promotions of targeted HFSS foods, such as multi-buy offers (for example buy one get one free) and free refills of soft drinks with added sugar; and
• restricting the placement of targeted HFSS foods in prominent locations in store when retail stores are over 185.8 square metres (or 2,000 square feet) and equivalent key locations online.

These restrictions apply to medium and large businesses (with 50 employees or more) which are a ‘qualifying business’ as described in the regulations.

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the regulations using powers in the regulations, the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food (Scotland) Act 2015.

The guidance can be found here – Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025: implementation guidance – gov.scot

April issue of Environmental Health International is out now – view magazine here IFEH – 2026 March

The FSA Board has agreed the scope of the Future of Food Regulation programme, with a clear vision: an effective, resilient and trusted regulatory system that is fit for the future.

The Future of Food Regulation Programme will develop proposals to strengthen the system that keeps our food safe, to ensure it keeps pace with new and emerging food businesses and reflects how people buy and consume food today.  

The areas being explored by the programme include: 

• Enhancing the food business registration system to make it more effective 
• A national approach to regulation for some large businesses, which makes better use of existing data and assurance systems, alongside in-person inspections 
• Improving the way we provide guidance to local authorities and businesses  
• Strengthening enforcement powers where necessary to enable swift, proportionate action where needed 
• Improving consumer information, including making the display of Food Hygiene Ratings mandatory in England, building on the trust of the scheme 

The Board agreed that, following a request by the Government in the 2025 Budget, the programme should develop proposals for a national system of regulation for large, food businesses in England — such as major supermarkets.  

With government funding now in place, the Future of Food Regulation programme will explore a national system of regulation alongside other broader reforms that will make the food safety and standards system more resilient. 

The Board agreed that system improvements could help identify food safety risks more quickly, while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens for businesses without compromising the regulatory controls that are critical to upholding high levels of food safety.  

The FSA will now move forward with further engagement with local authorities, consumers, businesses and industry bodies, working in partnership to shape a food regulatory system that is fit for the future.

Smoking rates in Scotland have halved, and thousands of lives have been saved since smokefree legislation came into force twenty years ago. As the 26 March 2026 marks the 20th anniversary, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is highlighting the profound impact of the ban — a public health success story that continues to shape the nation’s wellbeing.

A new report, published by PHS, shows the positive impact this decisive measure has had on non-smokers too. The legislation protected most people in Scotland from breathing in cigarette smoke during their daily lives and the public health gains are clear. The reduction in second-hand smoke exposure resulted in fewer deaths and hospitalisations from heart attacks and strokes, as well as having a positive impact on the health of pregnant women and their babies. 

What’s more, today’s report highlights that we have made significant shifts in how we view tobacco in Scotland, with smoking having become less socially acceptable.

Commenting on the forthcoming 20^th anniversary of the implementation of Scotland’s smoke free legislation, Dr Garth Reid, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland, said:

“Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature death in Scotland. Thanks to the smoking ban we have historically low smoking rates in Scotland, and we’re keen to encourage more people to give up smoking as we progress to becoming smoke-free in 2034.

“Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the benefits start to happen quickly ­– even for people who have smoked for a long time. 

“Whether you’re ready to stop, or just beginning to think about it, the NHS Scotland stop smoking service, Quit Your Way, and your local pharmacy are here to help you stop smoking and stay stopped in a way that is right for you.”

Dr Rishma Maini, Consultant in Public Health at PHS said:

“Scotland’s smoking ban shows that bold, preventative action works. We now have an opportunity to apply that same ambition to other major drivers of ill health, including overweight and obesity. For example, legislation and regulation to improve the food environment could make it easier and more affordable to access a healthy diet. If we get this right, we can deliver the same scale of change again, improving health and wellbeing for people across Scotland.”

Public Health Scotland is the lead national agency for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of all of Scotland’s people. We lead and support work across Scotland to prevent disease, prolong healthy life, reduce health inequalities and promote health and wellbeing.

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan: 2026-2040 sets out over 150 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 15 years, bringing over £42.3 billion in financial benefits and cost savings to the economy over the same period.

Scotland is already over halfway to net zero having reduced emissions by 51.3% since 1990 – the largest reduction in the UK and faster than the EU average, using comparable statistics.

The final plan details how Scotland will meet  our next three carbon budgets, along with a range of delivery indicators. These include:

• setting a target to decarbonise heat in buildings by 2045
• phasing out the need for new diesel and petrol cars by 2030
• increasing woodland creation so that by 2029-30, 18,000 hectares are planted every year, with 21% woodland cover in Scotland by 2032
• increasing peatland restoration by 10% each year to 2030

Actions in the Climate Change Plan will also contribute to both the Environment Strategy, and the Circular Economy Strategy, also published today.

The new Environment Strategy creates an integrated framework for environment and climate policies, while harnessing the powerful synergies between the health of our environment, the well-being of Scotland’s people and the success of our economy while the Circular Economy Strategy underpins delivery of our climate goals by cutting the amount of waste produced in Scotland, and managing our resources more sustainably, to reduce emissions.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The Climate Change Plan is Scotland’s pathway to net zero and outlines the action we will take to meet our first three carbon budgets.

“However it is also a routemap to realising economic and social gains for people across Scotland as part of a fair and just transition. It highlights the potential of growth areas ranging from renewables to heat networks to the circular economy, and sets out our commitment to increase investment in areas that will simultaneously decarbonise Scotland and improve our lives.

“Together with the Environment Strategy and Circular Economy Strategy, our Climate Change Plan forms a blueprint for how we will use this once-in-a-generation opportunity for transformation to reduce emissions while ensuring that our economy prospers, our communities are supported to become more resilient to the effects of climate change and to redress the issues of poverty and energy security that affect individual households.”

HSE has launched a consultation on The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

The consultation seeks stakeholder views on a range of legislative and non-legislative proposals to help reduce work-related ill health, one of HSE’s key strategic objectives. It also looks for options to reduce the burden on businesses, in making these reports to the regulator, through simplification of the reporting process.

Legislative

• clarifying definitions in Regulation 2 of RIDDOR and associated guidance, where certain terms have been identified as unclear or ambiguous
• revising the list of occupational diseases in Regulation 8 of RIDDOR by reintroducing some diseases that were previously on the list and adding new diseases to ensure serious instances of ill-health are captured
• broadening the scope of accepted “diagnosis” in Regulation 2 of RIDDOR to allow the diagnosis of an occupational disease by other types of registered health practitioners, not just doctors who are registered and hold a license to practice with the General Medical Council (GMC)
• revising the list of dangerous occurrences in Schedule 2 of RIDDOR by adding new categories and amending existing ones to reflect modern risks

Non-legislative

• improving the RIDDOR reporting process by simplifying the online form to reduce both under-reporting and over-reporting and improve overall usability

This consultation is relevant to all sectors and industries – in particular duty holders, self-employed people and those in control of work premises. It is also relevant to associated professions, including health care practitioners.

The full consultation document, including detailed proposals, background information and how to respond is available on our website.

View the consultation and submit comments: Consultation on proposals for The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.

The consultation runs until 30 June 2026.

REHIS Staff

Sandra Williamson, Director of Training, officially retired at the end of February 2026. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send messages and wish her well; it was very much appreciated. REHIS would like to thank Sandra for her years of service and the significant contributions she has made during her time as Director of Training.

We are delighted to advise that we have appointed a new Director of Training. David Bett, currently a REHIS Presenter and Senior Quality Manager with Mowi.  David will formally take up the role on 1 June 2026.

David brings a wealth of experience, and we are confident he will play an important role in supporting the continued development and success of our community training.

2026 Diary Dates – Professional Update Courses & Annual Forum

Stay ahead in the Environmental Health profession with our upcoming courses:

• 🍴 Food Update – 3 June
• ⚠️ Health & Safety Update – 2 September
• 🌿 Pollution Update – 7 October
• 🏛️ Environmental Health Update & AGM – 20 November
• 🏠 Public Health & Housing Update – 2 December

🌟 Annual Forum – Friday 21 August, Glasgow (in person).  This year’s Forum theme is “Shaping Scotland’s Environmental Health Profession in a Changing Climate”

April and May Lunchtime Seminars

Wednesday 8 April 2026 – Emerging Pressures and Regulatory Challenges in Waste Management

Join Alasdair Meldrum as he explores key waste management issues, including Duty of Care, enforcement priorities, vape and e-waste, and policy updates such as EPR, DRS, and landfill ban delays.

Wednesday 13 May 2026 – Can We Escape the Rate Race in West Dunbartonshire?
A thought-provoking session with Eilidh Paron examining local pest control challenges and solutions.

Northern and Southern Centres

📍 25th March – Southern Centre

Responding to Hoarding Disorder: Using an Integrated Approach – A practical and insightful workshop with Linda Fay.

📍 22nd April – Northern Centre

Lactofermentation Workshop – Join Robin Sheriff for a workshop exploring three lactofermentation techniques – dry browning, paste browning and wet browning.

All event booking forms are on the website: Events – REHIS

Professional Examinations

The next REHIS professional exams will take place in Edinburgh on the 31 March 2026.  There will be one individual sitting the REHIS EHO Diploma exams and 4 presenting themselves for the FSO Higher Certificate in Food Practice exams.

There will be a larger cohort of delegates coming forward for the Autumn exams on the 31 September, 1 and 2 October. 

Consultations

REHIS is often consulted on various topics of interest to the Environmental Health profession.  It is important that any response that the Institute submits is representative of the membership. So, if you see something of interest that you would like to contribute to, then let us know. 

🏆 REHIS Annual Awards

The 2026 REHIS Annual Awards will be presented on Friday 8 May at 2 pm at The Hoxton, Edinburgh. Awards will recognise recipients of the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health, SFSORB Higher Certificates, and a range of Community Training awards.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Thank you to all those who have submitted CPD for 2025.  The list of EHOs holding Chartered EHO status will appear in the summer Journal. We would also remind Chartered EHOs that you can request to be placed on a list maintained by the Institute of professionals offering private work, which would be provided, should anyone approach the Institute for such names.

REHIS Training Courses

The Institute, as an awarding body now has 32 REHIS qualifications with most of them on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF).  These courses are provided by approved training centres throughout Scotland that include individual training organisations, colleges, universities, prisons, community groups and industry. Courses – REHIS

We’re delighted to have the endorsement of Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland (SoCOEHS) for the REHIS courses, which helps highlight the clear distinction between our regulated qualifications and unregulated online courses that claim to offer an unsubstantiated equivalent standard.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been investigating an invasive meningococcal disease (MenB) outbreak in Kent.

The outbreak was first announced publicly on 13 March with local nightclub Club Chemistry linked to a number of cases.

What cases have been identified in the current outbreak? 

The current outbreak in Kent has been linked to the MenB strain. The latest case numbers can be found here. Sadly, 2 people have died. 

What is meningococcal disease? 

Meningococcal disease is a serious but uncommon illness caused by meningococcal bacteria. It can lead to meningitis – inflammation of the lining of the brain – and sepsis (blood poisoning). The onset can be sudden, which is why knowing the signs and symptoms, and acting quickly, is so important. There are multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria – MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, MenX, MenY. 

How is the disease spread?  

Transmission of  MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.  

Are the majority of cases still in Kent? Have they spread nationally or internationally? 

All of the cases identified to date are connected with Kent and there is no evidence currently that this outbreak has spread further. Individual meningitis B cases are not uncommon, but an outbreak of this size is unusual and this is why additional measures are being taken to prevent the spread. 

What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?  

Antibiotics

Preventative antibiotics (also called prophylaxis) are being offered to anyone who went to Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent on 5, 6 or 7 March and to people who are close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningitis. 

Antibiotics play a crucial role in the response to this outbreak in 2 distinct ways: 

1. Preventative antibiotics (prophylaxis) are being offered to close contacts of confirmed cases as a precautionary measure to help limit further spread. This includes anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March.  

2. Antibiotics given to treat an infection are used when someone has already become ill. For MenB, prompt treatment with antibiotics is critical – which is why seeking urgent medical help at the first sign of symptoms is so important. 

Antibiotics are not being offered to all students at the University of Kent this stage. The outbreak response is focused on close contacts and those who have attended settings assessed as high risk. Advice on antibiotics has been issued to staff and students at the University of Kent

MenB vaccine

A targeted vaccination programme has been introduced in direct response to this outbreak. Vaccination began with students living in Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent and vaccination has been extended to everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak.

Those students who have gone home will be offered vaccines locally if they cannot return to Kent. An offer of preventative antibiotics and vaccination also is now being offered the sixth form students (years 12 and 13) in schools and colleges in Kent where confirmed or probable cases are identified.

The vaccination programme may be expanded as UKHSA continues to assess the risk to other groups.  There are sufficient MenB vaccine stocks and the UKHSA are working with local partners to ensure effective distribution to those who need it. 

The MenB vaccine helps protect individuals from becoming seriously ill with meningococcal B disease. It works by helping the immune system recognise and fight the MenB bacteria if you come into contact with it. 

It is important to know that the MenB vaccine does not protect against all strains of meningococcal disease, nor against all infections that can cause meningitis. It also differs from the MenACWY vaccine in that it does not prevent the bacteria from being carried and spread in the community, and so it is important that everyone who is offered the vaccine takes it to protect themselves from becoming seriously ill. 

The MenB vaccine was added to the NHS immunisation schedule for infants in 2015, providing protection for babies and young children in the UK. It is separate from the MenACWY. 

Teenagers or young adults born before 1 May 2015, will not have received the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS schedule. 

What is the risk to the wider public?    

The risk of infection to the wider population remains low but the UKHSA are actively looking for contacts of people who have MenB (contact tracing) and offering preventative antibiotics to those in close contact with cases.    

The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Strategy 2027-32 has now been published.

Alongside the strategy, the ENRA Research Strategy 20227-32: Consultation Analysis is also available. The report summarises the feedback received during the consultation.

You can access both publications as well as view consultation responses, here:

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research: Strategy 2027 to 2032 – gov.scot

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Strategy 2027-2032: Consultation Analysis – gov.scot

The Scottish Parliament have voted in favour to ban Greyhound racing in Scotland after MSPs.

The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill, external makes it an offence to allow a greyhound to compete on an oval racetrack in Scotland, with a maximum prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to £20,000.

After the government dropped its opposition, 70 MSPs voted for the bill and 27 voted against. There were 19 abstensions.

In a brief debate ahead of the vote, Green MSP Mark Russell told MSPs: “Racing greyhounds at up to speeds of 40pmh around an oval track results in catastrophic injuries and deaths.

“Dogs break their legs, break their backs, end up paralysed and with serious head trauma.”

The MSP insisted greyhound racing was not a “harmless hobby enterprise”, and added that Scotland “cannot be left behind” as other countries have banned the sport.