Author: Sarah Groom

According to a study published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection, links the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O145:H28 in the UK in May-June 2024 to pre-packed sandwiches.

In May 2024, public health agencies and laboratories identified an increase in stool specimens submissions and patients testing positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified serotype O145:H28 stx2a/eae as the causative agent. It was a re-emergence of an STEC cluster investigated in 2023, where no source could be confirmed, said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

By early July 2024, 288 cases had been linked to the cluster. Most were adults and females, 129 people were hospitalised with 39 percent attending emergency care. England had more than 180 cases, while about 60 people were sick in Scotland, 30 in Wales, and a few in Northern Ireland.

Symptom onset dates of primary cases ranged from April 29 to June 17. They had a median age of 29 and ranged from 1 to 89 years old. There were nine cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and two deaths.

Since 2020, STEC O145:H28 has been in the top five most common E. coli serotypes reported in England and Scotland.

Descriptive epidemiology and analytical studies identified consumption of nationally distributed pre-packed sandwiches as a common food exposure. The implicated food businesses recalled ready-to-eat sandwiches and wraps containing lettuce in mid-June.

Eleven of 15 cases interviewed with a trawling questionnaire reported eating pre-packaged sandwiches from different national retailers.

Food chain investigations identified the sandwich producer that supplied the retailers during May 2024. The producer had sourced lettuce from farms in England.

Domestically produced apollo lettuce was the most likely source of contamination. Samworth Brothers, This! and Greencore Group recalled a range of sandwich products.

Location of an animal reservoir or mechanisms of crop contamination are currently unclear. Possible routes include a failure in control measures protecting the crop from agricultural run-off, contamination of water or growing materials used in lettuce production, or contaminated seeds. 

Test results have been negative for STEC but general or indicator E. coli was identified in sandwich and lettuce products, indicating a possible contamination event.

A message posted in European surveillance systems revealed none of the 13 countries that replied were affected.

Ready-to-eat salad vegetables are vulnerable to contamination with pathogens at the pre-harvest level via flooding, rainwater run-off, or irrigation water containing animal feces. Current methods for washing and decontaminating fresh produce cannot guarantee that pathogens will be removed. Controls to minimize the risk of fecal contamination during growing, handling, and processing are important.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) have published Health protection guidance: method for guidance development.

This method sets out how health protection guidance should be developed in Scotland. It combines and updates the six previous method documents grouped under the SHPN framework for health protection guidance development.

PHS have brought together all guidance for health protection within this document and simplified the process of development.

This method is intended to instruct all those involved in guidance development, in Public Health Scotland (PHS) and across the Scottish Health Protection Network (SHPN).

It is available on the PHS website and can be accessed using this link: https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/health-protection-guidance-method-for-guidance-development/health-protection-guidance-method-for-guidance-development/

A full set of related resources (e.g. templates and forms we use in our work) is also provided: Supporting resources – Developing our guidance

Any feedback on the method can be sent to phs.guidance@phs.scot.  

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are to be revised and updated to give consumers a clearer picture of their home’s energy performance and to link better with the drive to cut emissions from homes and buildings.

Changes proposed include the introduction of a new rating system which will give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home.

The EPC format will also be redesigned to make it easier to understand, and the validity of EPCs will be reduced from ten to five years to ensure consumers have more up-to-date information.

EPC Reform Consultation: Government Response

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the new regulations, new EPC rating system and redesigned certificates are expected to be brought into force during 2026.

 Proposed changes include:

• a new EPC rating system for domestic buildings, which will give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home to standardised conditions;
• a new EPC rating system for non-domestic buildings;
• a redesigned EPC certificate, based on a first phase of user testing, and to be followed by a second phase prior to regulations coming into force;
• reduction of the validity period of EPCs from 10 to five years to ensure consumers have more up-to-date information;
• development of a new dynamic EPC user interface to sit alongside the published EPC;
• introduction of strengthened operational governance arrangements for EPC assessors and Approved Organisations to enhance quality assurance for consumers;
• establishing a new technical infrastructure to replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) with the new UK Home Energy Model (HEM) calculation methodology, together with a new EPC Register, where we will share significant parts with the UK Government;

A previous consultation considered proposals to reform EPCs so that they better support Scotland’s journey to net zero.

A technical consultation will follow on the level of EPC lodgement fees to support new, critical technical infrastructure. This will also give stakeholders a further opportunity to contribute to the development of the new regulations.

EPCs in Scotland remain a source of information only, unlike in other parts of the UK where they are linked to minimum energy efficiency standards.

The Scottish Health Protection Network (SHPN) guidance for Public health management of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection has been updated.

The guidance is intended for all professionals involved in the health protection or public health response to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) cases and outbreaks including environmental health departments.

The guidance includes information on:

• case and contact definitions for use by public health professionals
• recommended public health actions for cases and contacts
• outbreak identification and response

Updates to the guidance include:

• Section added in recognition of relative difference in severity in relation to stx subtype
• Higher risk category for children expanded from under 5 years to 5 and under (up to sixth birthday)
• No public health action beyond enhanced surveillance form ​to be taken on stx negative O157
• Asymptomatic testing of the whole population in a setting (e.g. an entire nursery class) not routinely recommended
• New section on health inequalities

Actions aimed at ensuring households and businesses in Scotland boost reuse and recycling rates and cut waste have been published.

The Circular Economy and Waste Route Map sets out 11 priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated to support a transition to a circular economy – where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. 

The 11 priority areas are:

1. Publish a Product Stewardship Plan to set out how we will tackle the environmental impact of priority products by 2025/26
2. Develop an intervention plan to guide long-term work on household food waste reduction behaviour change by 2026/27
3. Develop with stakeholders’ effective options to implement mandatory reporting for food waste and surplus by businesses from 2025/26
4. Support the development of a model for regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets from 2025-2027
5. Facilitate a co-design process for high quality, high performing household recycling and reuse services, 2024 – 2026
6. Review of compliance with commercial recycling requirements, 2026
7. Co-design measures to improve commercial waste service provisions, commencing by 2030
8. Develop a Residual Waste Plan to 2045, by 2027
9. Facilitate the development of a Sector-Led Plan to minimise the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector, by 2027
10. Develop a circular economy strategy every five years, with first one published in 2026
11. Set new circular economy targets by 2027

The Route Map is the product of extensive collaboration and engagement with the public, private and third sectors through two consultations since 2022, with consistently high levels of support for the proposals.

The overall recycling rate in Scotland is at its highest level since records began in 2011, and the actions in the Route Map complement provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which was passed unanimously by MSPs in June.  

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin launched the Route Map at a visit to Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh, which upcycles discarded wooden furniture into new items.

She said: “Reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis. 

“We must make the circular option, where we value materials and keep them in use for as long as possible, either in their original form or recycled, an easier choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.

“The Route Map sets out an ambitious plan to help make this a reality and I want to thank all those who have contributed to its development.

“There have been consistently high levels of support for its actions, which promote and support responsible production and consumption, along with the sustainable management of Scotland’s resources – and the final route map will be key to supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero and economic growth goals.”

Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of the Grassmarket Community Project said: “We pride ourselves on our initiatives to repurpose, recycle and reuse through our wood workshop, and Tartan shop. Old furniture, church pews and fallen trees are donated and re-worked into beautiful pieces of furniture or small household items. Leftover tartan from weavers, and donated fabric scraps are handcrafted into beautiful gifts.

“These materials, once considered waste and destined for landfill, are now valuable contributors to the circular economy. Thanks to generous donations, we’re recycling these materials, giving them new purpose, and creating timeless treasures that will be passed down through generations.

“Along the way, we generate income, provide essential skills training for our members (beneficiaries) and volunteers, all of which embodies and reinforces the values of the Route Map and our commitment to the circular economy.”

On 20 December, new legislation was introduced that will help prevent around 200 cases of debilitating brain and spine defects in babies each year in the UK by fortifying non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid.

The legislation requires millers and flour producers in the UK to fortify non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid by the end of 2026. 

Folic acid deficiency is a leading cause of neural tube defects in babies, including spina bifida. Increasing a woman’s intake of folic acid can help prevent these serious and debilitating conditions.

Flour is already fortified with calcium, niacin, thiamin and iron to improve public health. The move to include folic acid could help to reduce neural tube defects by 20% in the UK and improve the health of pregnant women.

This work forms part of a wider Defra led review of the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 conducted under the Food Compositional Standards and Labelling (FCSL) UK Common Framework, working collaboratively with the devolved Governments and Department of Health and Social Care. 

It included a UK-wide public consultation with the proposals also notified to the World Trade Organisation, fulfilling international obligations.   

The key changes include: 

• Technical amendments to clarify requirements and definitions, to ensure consistency with other food standards legislation including increasing minimum levels of nutrients and updating specification criteria, enabling understanding and compliance.  
• Update to the compositional rules of wholemeal flour, removing barriers to compliance while maintaining consumer protection.  
• An exemption from fortification requirements for small-scale millers (producing less than 500 metric tonnes of flour per annum). This removes disproportionate burden on smaller scale producers without compromising the public health outcomes of the policy.  
• Introducing the use of improvement notices in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is a more proportionate and efficient way to address non-compliance and reduces risk of excessive costs associated with court time when criminal proceedings are brought. In Scotland equivalent measures in the form of compliance notices have already been introduced. 

Food Standards Scotland and the Scottish Government will continue to engage with the food industry to support them to implement the changes, which will apply to the whole of the UK. Legislation has been laid in England and Northern Ireland, and Wales intend to lay similar legislation soon.. 

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Ministers have long advocated for the mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid to help prevent foetal neural tube defects such as spina bifida – so I am glad to be able to introduce new legislation to help give babies the best start in life. It is also vital that women who are planning a pregnancy or are newly pregnant continue to take a folic acid supplement.

“We have closely collaborated with Food Standards Scotland, the UK Government and other devolved Governments to introduce a measure which strengthens public health. We will continue to engage with the industry on implementation to ensure the best outcomes.”

Lawrence Cowan, Chief Executive of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland said: “We welcome the announcement by the Scottish Government today that folic acid will be added to flour from 2026 onwards. Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland has campaigned for folic acid fortification for over 30 years, and this decision will have a life-changing effect for many future parents and children across Scotland. 

“Adding folic acid to flour will give women and their unborn children the best possible opportunities to be healthy. Folic acid fortification has proven effective in other countries, and in the UK this measure could prevent around 200 pregnancies affected by neural tube defects. It is important that we keep to the proposed timeline for introducing this legislation to ensure that we can have the broadest impact on families in Scotland.

“This is a momentous moment, and we will continue to work in partnership with the Scottish Government, Food Standards Scotland and other relevant bodies.”

It is estimated that half of all pregnancies in the UK are unplanned. The new flour regulations will help provide women with a higher baseline intake of folic acid, before and during pregnancy. 

However, it is important to note that the NHS still recommends women who are trying to get pregnant or newly pregnant to continue to regularly take the recommended dose of folic acid supplements.

All women who are trying for a baby should regularly take folic acid supplements for around three months before getting pregnant, and for at least 12 weeks after becoming pregnant.  These are readily available through pharmacies or supermarkets. The fortification of flour is intended to support, not replace, this advice.

On 1 January, The Health and Safety Executive celebrated its 50^th Anniversary.

Created by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was officially launched on 1^st January 1975.

For the last 50 years it has played a central role in reducing workplace death and injury, helping Great Britain become one of the safest places in the world to work. In 1974, 651 employees were killed at work; HSE’s latest annual statistics for 2023/24 show that number had reduced to 138.

Sarah Albon, chief executive of HSE, has said that despite the transformation of Britain’s workplaces over the past half century, the mission of the regulator remains as relevant as ever.

Sarah said: “Over the past half century, the Health and Safety Executive has led the way in establishing Great Britain as a safe place to work. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we recognise there is still much for HSE to take on.

“We’re proud of our successes over the last five decades, but the fact remains that any work-related death is a tragedy, and there are still far too many workers suffering ill-health brought about by work activity.

“In 2022, we launched our 10-year strategy, Protecting People and Places, to build on HSE’s strong foundations and address our current and future challenges.

“So today, HSE’s role goes beyond worker protection to include public safety assurance on a range of issues. Recent years have added new responsibilities, such as becoming the appointed Building Safety Regulator and playing an extended role in chemical regulation, post Brexit.

“It is hard to foresee what the world of work will look like in the next 50 years but as ever, our fundamental principle will continue to be to make sure that those who create risk, take responsibility for controlling risk, and those who fail to do so will be held to account.

“We will continue to work with businesses, with industry, with other regulators and with government, to enable strong economic growth, while we continue to deliver our founding principles as we work to protect people and places.”

The Scottish Government have launched a public consultation how best to further regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCP) to improve client safety.

Independent healthcare clinics in Scotland are already regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, but the sector across the UK is not fully regulated.

The number of procedures which pierce and penetrate the skin is increasing and the Scottish Government is considering what requirements can be put in place to reduce the potential for harm from riskier procedures.

The new consultation builds on a previous one in 2020 and puts forward more detailed proposals for what that further regulation could look like.

It is propose that private NSCPs should take place in either:

• an independent clinic, or other healthcare setting regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS)
• a premises which is licensed by the local authority

The Scottish Government propose that wherever procedures take place they should be carried out by a suitably trained and qualified practitioner or by an appropriate healthcare professional.

It is not believed that all procedures are appropriate in all settings. As such it is proposed to divide procedures into three groups based on factors such as how invasive they are, the level of risk and the level of medical knowledge or training required to conduct the procedures safely.

The Groups proposed are:

• Group 1 will contain those procedures which carry the lowest level of risk, are the least invasive, and which we believe can be safely carried out by a trained practitioner who is not a healthcare professional

It is proposed that Group 1 procedures should be undertaken in either a licensed premises or a HIS regulated setting.

• Group 2 will contain procedures which carry a higher level of risk, and are more invasive than those in Group 1.

It is proposed that Group 2 procedures should only be undertaken in a HIS regulated premises. We propose they could be safely carried out by a trained practitioner who is not a healthcare professional, but that such practitioners should be supervised by an appropriate healthcare professional.

• Group 3 will contain the procedures which carry the highest levels of risk and which are more invasive than Group 1 or 2 procedures.

It is proposed that as well as being undertaken in a HIS regulated premises that these procedures should always be undertaken by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said:

“It is distressing to hear of cases where people have suffered as a result of non-surgical cosmetic procedures going wrong. 

“The current gaps in regulation means that anyone can perform most of these procedures without the need for any formal training or qualifications and this consultation aims to gather a wide range of views on how best to address this.

“We want to make sure procedures are carried out by appropriately qualified and skilled practitioners so that clients have peace of mind. We are aware of the potential impact on businesses and we are working with a range of stakeholders to make sure we get those details right. 

“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that robust and proportionate regulation is introduced to ensure that people who choose to have these procedures, can do so with the confidence they will be safe so please let us know your views.”

Chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, Professor David Sines CBE said:

“I warmly welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to consult on this new, proposed scheme of regulation and licensing.

“In my opinion the proposals included in this consultation document will dramatically improve consumer safety and reduce the risk of injury and harm arising from improperly performed cosmetic treatments. Nothing is more important than public protection and patient safety.

“I would urge everybody to support this move towards sensible and proportionate regulation in this important sector.”

Read the consultation paper here Regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space which closes 14 February.

It is understood that publication of the draft of BS8233:2025 is imminent for release from British Standard Institution.

In preparation for the consultation the Scottish Institute of Acoustics are providing an open forum to discuss.

See below for more information regarding this meeting:

Scottish Institute of Acoustics: Deeper dive into the proposals to update BS 8233 

Thursday 9 January 2025

14:00 – 16:30 GMT.

Online only

This deeper dive into the proposals is intended to help you inform a response to consultation, which ends on 31st January. We’ll be assuming some prior knowledge of the principles of the proposals (see recording of 30th September webinar; download our IOA Conference paper). In this extended session we’ll be going into more detail.

For residential design:

• WHO 1999 Guidelines – where did they come from? WHO 2018 vs WHO1999
• Is external noise just a proxy? If we meet internal level guidelines, is the noise mitigated?
• L_max – we know it is important, but is a simplistic assessment valuable? What about the other dimensions of sleep?
• Overheating and noise – what is the supporting evidence, and how do we weave in a measure of the “overheating risk” into the noise assessment? 
• How does the proposed mitigation compare with current practice?

For non-domestic buildings:

• Increased guidance on sound insulation between spaces
• Proposals for sound absorption

Meet the speakers

Dr David Hiller, Chair of BS 8233 drafting committee. David is an Associate Director with Arup. He has 37 years experience in acoustics, noise and vibration, having previously been with the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) for 12 years. David is currently Chair of Committee B/564, responsible for BS 5228 and BS 8233.

Jack Harvie-Clark, Founding Director at Apex Acoustics, has been working in acoustics since 2000, and researching noise and ventilation for dwellings since 2013. He was the instigator and a major author of the AVO Guide, and acoustic advisor to DLUHC for the acoustics in Approved Doc O.

Dr Benjamin Fenech, Noise lead at UKHA, acoustics specialist with a special interest in the non-auditory health effects of sound and noise. Since 2013 Ben has been responsible for leading the UK Health Security Agency and its predecessor organisation’s work programme on the non-auditory health effects of sound and noise. 

Registration: There is no need to register. Please join with the following Zoom link.

Institute of Acoustics is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84837095051?pwd=4sC3SHgPa7dJa6WEoP8SJaEEMUuR3g.1

Meeting ID: 848 3709 5051
Passcode: 478417

Actions aimed at ensuring households and businesses in Scotland boost reuse and recycling rates and cut waste have been published.

The Circular Economy and Waste Route Map sets out 11 priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated to support a transition to a circular economy – where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. 

These are:

* = Relates to provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024

1. Publish a Product Stewardship Plan to set out how we will tackle the environmental impact of priority products by 2025/26
2. Develop an intervention plan to guide long-term work on household food waste reduction behaviour change by 2026/27
3. *Develop with stakeholders’ effective options to implement mandatory reporting for food waste and surplus by businesses from 2025/26
4. Support the development of a model for regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets from 2025-2027
5. *Facilitate a co-design process for high quality, high performing household recycling and reuse services, 2024 – 2026
6. Review of compliance with commercial recycling requirements, 2026
7. Co-design measures to improve commercial waste service provisions, commencing by 2030
8. Develop a Residual Waste Plan to 2045, by 2027
9. Facilitate the development of a Sector-Led Plan to minimise the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector, by 2027
10. *Develop a circular economy strategy every five years, with first one published in 2026
11. *Set new circular economy targets by 2027

The Route Map is the product of extensive collaboration and engagement with the public, private and third sectors through two consultations since 2022, with consistently high levels of support for the proposals.

The overall recycling rate in Scotland is at its highest level since records began in 2011, and the actions in the Route Map complement provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which was passed unanimously by MSPs in June.  

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin launched the Route Map at a visit to Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh, which upcycles discarded wooden furniture into new items.

She said: “Reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis. 

“We must make the circular option, where we value materials and keep them in use for as long as possible, either in their original form or recycled, an easier choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.

“The Route Map sets out an ambitious plan to help make this a reality and I want to thank all those who have contributed to its development.

“There have been consistently high levels of support for its actions, which promote and support responsible production and consumption, along with the sustainable management of Scotland’s resources – and the final route map will be key to supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero and economic growth goals.”

Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of the Grassmarket Community Project said: “We pride ourselves on our initiatives to repurpose, recycle and reuse through our wood workshop, and Tartan shop. Old furniture, church pews and fallen trees are donated and re-worked into beautiful pieces of furniture or small household items. Leftover tartan from weavers, and donated fabric scraps are handcrafted into beautiful gifts.

“These materials, once considered waste and destined for landfill, are now valuable contributors to the circular economy. Thanks to generous donations, we’re recycling these materials, giving them new purpose, and creating timeless treasures that will be passed down through generations.

“Along the way, we generate income, provide essential skills training for our members (beneficiaries) and volunteers, all of which embodies and reinforces the values of the Route Map and our commitment to the circular economy.”

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning this Christmas about unauthorised additives in imported American snacks, sweets and fizzy drinks. These products, popularised by social media influencers on platforms like TikTok, are flooding UK high streets, posing serious health risks to children.

As Christmas approaches, American confectionery has become a must-have stocking filler, with children and teenagers driving demand. These brightly coloured sweets, snacks and drinks are heavily promoted by social media influencers on platforms like TikTok, where viral videos showcase ‘candy hauls’ and taste tests of imported products. The trend has grown in popularity in recent years, making these items a symbol of festive indulgence among younger audiences.

Convenience stores and high-street retailers have capitalised on this growing popularity, stocking these products in record numbers to meet seasonal demand. However, the allure of American candy often masks serious risks. Many of these imported products fail to meet UK safety and legal standards, lacking proper allergen declarations or containing unauthorised additives with known health risks.

Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has been leading efforts to address the growing issue of unsafe American confectionery. During a recent pilot project funded by the Food Standards Agency, they seized 3,378 items valued at £8,500 from local shops. These products, often manufactured for foreign markets, contained unauthorised additives such as:

• Yellow 6 (E110): Found in corn-based snacks, linked to hyperactivity in children .
• Carrageenan: Used in jelly cups, posing a choking hazard for children. 
• EDTA: An additive prohibited in drinks, linked to developmental issues in animal studies.

The inspections revealed 89% failed to comply among shops, with common issues including:

• Products containing unauthorised additives. (1)
• Missing English labelling or allergen declarations. (2)
• Expired products still being sold. (3)

In addition to these findings, recent actions by Staffordshire’s Trading Standards team have uncovered further concerning statistics. Approximately 3,700 non-compliant products valued at £10,300 were confiscated during inspections, including:

• 1,750 cans/bottles of drinks containing EDTA.
• 1,545 packets of crisps containing Yellow 6 (E110).
• 400 packets of sweets containing mineral oil, bleached flour, or carrageenan.

These inspections also highlighted a 25% failure to comply rate in stores where American confectionery was identified and subsequently removed from shelves. These products, often referred to as ‘grey market goods’, are manufactured for foreign markets and fail to comply with UK food safety standards.

Operation Tootsie, an earlier Trading Standards initiative, further emphasised the scope of the problem, revealing a 77% failure rate among products purchased from national retailers and an even higher 91% failure rate among importers.

Dean Cooke, CTSI Lead Officer for Food, explained:

“Social media has amplified the demand for American sweets, with influencers on platforms like TikTok showcasing these colourful products in ways that appeal to children and teenagers. While this drives seasonal sales, it also creates a dangerous market for items that fail to meet UK safety standards. Retailers must take responsibility to ensure compliance, and parents need to be vigilant in checking labels to protect their children from potential harm.

“Importers, by law, have to re-label products with a UK/GB address. If there is any problem with the food, customers and Trading Standards may need to contact a legally responsible person in this country. If food does not have a UK/GB address on the label, we would advise for them not to buy it.”

Councillor Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, added:

“Our Trading Standards team works tirelessly to ensure that food sold in Staffordshire complies with safety standards. During this pilot project, we were alarmed to find over 3,300 unsafe items on sale, many of which contained unauthorised ingredients and were targeted at children. These items are often poorly labelled and can contain harmful additives, posing serious public health concerns. Parents need to stay alert and avoid products with unclear labelling, especially during the festive season.”

Consumers are urged to scrutinise labels for compliance. Items labelled with American weight measurements (ounces, fluid ounces) are likely imports. These products must adhere to UK food safety standards, including accurate allergen labelling and exclusion of unauthorised additives.

Trading Standards continue to tackle this growing issue through targeted operations, including working with national retailers and wholesalers. Anyone unsure about the safety of products in England and Wales can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. You can get consumer advice applying to Northern Ireland by calling Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Consumers In Scotland should contact Consumer Advice Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000.

Salford City Council Trading Standards have produced some really useful resources to help explain the issues with clear examples of what to look out for:

Consumer Advice leaflet

Business Advice Leaflet

Global Action Plan, organisers of Clean Air Day, have announced the return of Clean Air Night, the first of which took place in January of this year. 

Taking place on Wednesday 22nd January 2025, this year’s event will focus on the health damage caused by domestic wood burning.

The campaign takes a three-pronged attack on the subject:

1. Wood burning harms your wallet
2. Wood burning harms your health
3. Wood burning harms the planet

The report takes aim at the current implementation of Smoke Control areas (SCAs) which, it claims is fundamentally flawed.  Changes proposed include extended them to cover the whole of the UK – with exemptions for home with no alternative source of heating – toughening their scope to cover Ecodesign stoves and giving local authorities greater powers to enforce them.

Other measures suggested by the report are: 

• A public information campaign to increase understanding about the health harms of wood/solid fuel burning stoves and open fires.
• Increased regulation of the advertising of both wood burning stoves and fuel.
• Increased powers to enable local authorities to tackle the air pollution produced by domestic burning in a way they deem to be most appropriate for their local area

Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan said: ‘Domestic burning is the biggest source of small particle air pollution in the UK and can cause significant harm to everyone’s health. Over the next five years, the government’s strategy needs to evolve from encouraging people to ‘burn better’ to phasing out this source of harmful air pollution, starting with those homes – most typically, but not exclusively, in our towns and cities – where a fire is a secondary and therefore unnecessary heating source. The report we are sharing today sets out a policy pathway to curb this growing pollution problem and protect public health and the planet, a journey that must start now.’

Read Action for Clean Air: evidence and resources on domestic burning here.