Category: News Item

Food Standards Scotland and Public Health Scotland have produced a guidance document to support food business operators with preparing for the investigations that will take place if an outbreak of COVID-19 is suspected in the workforce.

The Investigation of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Food Businesses guidance aims to help Food Business Operators (FBOs) to better understand the investigations that will take place when an outbreak of COVID-19 is identified in their workforce, and how an Incident Management Team (IMT) will decide on the actions that need to be taken to stop the further spread of the virus in the workplace and the wider community.

Whilst it is acknowledged that every outbreak is different, and there is no single set of defined criteria that can be used in every situation to determine the required steps to protect public health, reading this guidance will assist FBOs in preparing for the types of questions that are likely to be asked during an investigation and the broad principles that inform decisions taken by the IMT, including whether a business should be closed or can remain open.

The guidance also underlines the importance of FBOs being able to demonstrate to the IMT that they have taken appropriate steps to protect their workforce from the risks of COVID-19.  

Key advice for FBOs in the guidance includes:

• Identify – to help identify a potential outbreak of COVID-19, maintain up-to-date records of working patterns of staff and maintain accurate sickness absence records across the whole workforce. An outbreak should be suspected if there are two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the setting within 14 days, or an increase in the rate of absence due to suspected or confirmedcases of COVID-19.
• Act – If there is any indication that an outbreak of COVID-19 may have occurred in the workforce (or there is an increased risk of one occurring), contact the relevant local NHS Board Health Protection Team (HPT) at the earliest opportunity. Contact details can be found here. The HPT will carry out an initial risk assessment quickly and will convene an IMT if an outbreak is suspected to confirm whether this is the case, and, if so, take over the investigation and identify appropriate action required to protect public health.
• Control – understand the FBO’s legal obligations with regard to COVID-19 controls and the relevant guidance documents on safe working practices during the pandemic. These are frequently updated on FSS's website pages for food businesses.       
• Prepare – understand in advance what information the IMT will require, which will include questions looking for accurate records of staff working on each shift and visitors to your site; how your workforce is organised; how employees move through the premises; plans for controlling the spread of COVID-19 leading up to the outbreak; preventative measures put in place to reduce the risks of COVID-19 at work; auditing procedures; staff PPE; cleaning procedures; how COVID-19 controls are communicated to staff and more.

Remember, where the food business is unable to provide sufficient evidence that they have effective COVID-19 measures in place, the IMT will inevitably have less confidence in the business and will require stronger action to be taken to protect public health.

In the event of food business closure or part closure, every effort will be made by the IMT to support the FBO in identifying where changes or improvements need to be made in order to minimise the risks of any further incidents. The re-opening of a premises is a decision for the IMT, together with the appropriate regulatory body.

Food Standards Scotland have updated its guidance for food business operators (FBOs) and their employees on 30 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. It has been produced with input from the food industry and Trade Unions and reflects the most up to date advice from Scottish and UK Government and Health Protection Scotland.

A summary of the changes in the update are as follows:

• Additional guidance published on the investigation of COVID-19 outbreaks in food businesses.
• The FSS guidelines for food business operators and their employees was updated to take into account details of Scotland's Strategic Framework which sets out a new approach to outbreak management based on five levels of protection (the Protection Levels Framework) and the ability to impose restrictions nationally or locally.

Dr Tracy Morse, Honorary Vice-President of the Institute, has returned from Malawi and is now based back in Scotland. Tracy has taken up the position as Head of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Strathclyde University. Tracy will be continuing the research work in Malawi and also with her teaching. Tracy is very keen that Strathclyde University continues to work with the Environmental Health profession in areas of research and teaching which tackle Environmental Health issues. The Institute wishes to congratulate Tracy in her new role and looks forward to continuing partnership working with her.

The President was delighted to announce, at the recent Annual General Meeting, that Honorary Membership has been conferred on Tom Bell in recognition for the many years Tom has committed and contributed to the field of Environmental Health.

Tom is probably most recognised nationally and internationally within the Environmental Health community in his role as Chief Executive of the Institute, a position he held for over 15 years. Tom has tirelessly worked with and guided many elected members of the Institute to promote the objects of the Institute’s Royal Charter and its charitable purposes.

Tom was delighted to accept the Honorary Membership and said the following:
“a very sincere thank you to the Institute’s Council for inviting me to accept Honorary Membership of the Institute – I am honoured and delighted to accept this prestigious award”.

Congratulations Tom!

Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance has recently been updated.

The changes include updates to the frequently asked questions page and amendment to amusements in games in hospitality statutory guidance section.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been asked to lead a study addressing the transmission of COVID-19 in the environment, including in workplaces, transport and other public settings.

Th research is one of seven studies part of a national COVID-19 research programme funded by the UK government and fronted by the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance.

The National Core Studies are a small group of key research projects and infrastructure programmes designed to answer essential policy and operational questions as the UK enters the first winter period of the coronavirus pandemic.

The seven studies will examine fundamental questions such as: the levels of infection in the general population and in specific settings such as schools and nursing homes, the role of different environments in enhancing spread, and whether antibodies confer protection and for how long.

The programme will be a multi-agency response with each study lead drawing upon the best scientific knowledge and expertise available in the UK from within government and academia to help ensure these and other critical questions are answered quickly and well.

Reacting to the news, HSE’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Andrew Curran said:

“HSE is privileged to lead this programme and use our experience in workplace risk management to improve our understanding of how the virus is transmitted. We employ some of the leading scientists in workplace health and safety who are skilled in addressing complex issues such as this. We will also harness the knowledge and expertise of our counterparts in other organisations to coordinate the most effective response to answer these important questions.

“As findings emerge, they will be shared. We hope they will feed directly into effective approaches and guidance that will help improve practices in workplaces. This work will yield information on an ongoing basis, improving our understanding of what a COVID-Secure workplace looks like. When infection rates will allow sustained re-opening of the economy, working safely will be even more crucial than it is now.”

The Food Standards Agency has launched a consultation on the Review of the Food Law Code of Practice (England).

The consultation on proposed changes to the Food Law Code of Practice (England), Food Law Practice Guidance (England), and implementation of the FSA Knowledge and skills for the effective delivery of official food and feed controls and other activities (Competency Framework), can be found on the FSA website. Closing date for responses is midnight Thursday 10 December 2020 to CodeReviewResponses@food.gov.uk.

The Northern Ireland Code, and the Practice Guidance are subject to a separate but similar consultation.

The Scottish Government is committed to supporting small and medium-sized Scottish businesses to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Its interest-free SME Loan Scheme has already provided Scottish businesses with over £26 million in loans for over 1,000 energy saving projects. 

Now, for a limited time only, businesses using the interest-free loan can also grab a cashback grant of up to £20,000.

For full details and to take advantage while funds last, call Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support team on 0808 808 2268 or visit website. 

ASH Scotland is presenting an online Learning Festival with the Scottish Tobacco-free Alliance, in the week beginning Monday 30th November. The SCOT coalition keeps a focus on joining up on intelligence and influence, while the STA majors on information sharing and cross sectoral networking – both networks offer free membership and these online events are free to join, you’ll find programme and registration details here.

The Scottish Government has published Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 (CAFS2) for consultation. 

The new clean air strategy for Scotland that builds on the progress made since the introduction of Cleaner Air for Scotland: The Road to a Healthier Future (CAFS) published in 2015.

The proposals in the consultation have been shaped by the work of an independent panel of experts which was commissioned by the Scottish Government in November 2018.  

The draft five-year Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 strategy follows the recent Programme for Government, which set out a number of actions being taken forward to ensure a green recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, prioritising support for health, wellbeing and tackling climate change.

The strategy proposes a set of actions to further reduce air pollution and improve air quality for the benefit of Scotland's population and the environment including:

• taking forward potential measures to control the supply of the most polluting domestic fuels, including wet wood and house coal
• work with the agriculture sector to develop a voluntary code of good practice to help reduce emission of air pollutants
• a new approach to public engagement and behaviour change in relation to air quality
• a continued shift to more sustainable transport modes as set out in the National Transport Strategy

The consultation will last for 12 weeks and a number of stakeholder events to engage directly with the relevant sectors are planned.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

“The air that we breathe is fundamental to human life and the quality of our environment. It should protect and enhance our health and wellbeing. Despite the undoubted improvements in air quality over recent years, there is more we can, and must, do.

“The proposals set out in this strategy are essential if we are to ensure Scotland has the best air quality in Europe.

“Since our original Cleaner Air For Scotland strategy was published five years ago, we have introduced some of the most ambitious climate change legislation in the world, published our Environment Strategy, updated our National Transport Strategy with an emphasis on greener travel and began the introduction of Low Emission Zones.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that it is more important than ever that we design a better future and a more sustainable, green economy which will better support our communities health and environment as we head for net zero by 2045.

“So I would encourage people and organisations to engage in this consultation and work together for a better, cleaner future for our planet, this generation – and those to come.”

Rosemary Davidson, REHIS Course Presenter, discusses how training has had to adapt to be online and also talks about her contact tracing role with NHS.

1.         Describe you work before the pandemic? 

My work before the pandemic had two main strands, the first being delivery and organisation of REHIS food hygiene training at all four levels from Introduction to Food Hygiene up to Advanced Diploma for our partnership business with Christine Fraser. This was a mixture of face-to-face delivery to a mixture of mainly Tayside clients and elearning to many varied clients spread across Scotland.

My second role was as a public health nutrition adviser (PT) with NHS Tayside. This varied role encompassed developing and delivering REHIS nutrition and other training to staff and community workers, developing and reviewing nutrition resources and working with staff involved with the Health Promoting Health Service, Healthy Living Award and Healthcare Retail Standard. I was also involved with work looking at improving the diet of the community through cooking classes and introduction of Menucal to local businesses. 

2.         What have you been doing since the pandemic started? 

Since pandemic, face-to-face training has not taken place and I feel organisations may not be able to go back to this method of delivery for some time (if at all). Many have had to adapt in lots of ways and elearning for training may be the way forward for many. Initially businesses had other priorities and are still finding it very difficult, but some have started to consider elearning recently.

My work within the NHS and partner agencies practically stopped as projects and training were put on hold. Staff were redeployed or had other priorities. Virtual meetings became the norm.

As a member of Public Health staff we were asked to work with the department on NHS Scotland Test & Protect to carry out contact tracing. Many hours of training were completed before we could start taking calls from index cases and communicating with contacts. In August a new and improved case management system (CMS) platform was launched and further online training was required on this new version.  

3.         What are/were the challenges? 

Initially we were not in demand for contact tracing and it was difficult to build up experience. When the new CMS was launched we tried to gain experience where possible to fulfil our new role. As demand increased I became fully involved with contact tracing for all of my hours, plus extra shifts when required. It is a demanding but interesting role as I’ve been working with many new staff from different areas of the NHS and other agencies.  New skills have been developed both for the investigative, reporting and people skills required for contact tracing but also communication as supervising other contact tracers, providing support for new staff and use of the ever evolving case management system and contact tracing developments.

4.         Do you think any of these changes will last beyond the pandemic period? 

I think elearning will increase in popularity and hopefully training will become a priority again. Virtual meetings and conferences will be here to stay. 

Hopefully, as new contact tracing staff are employed I may be able to resume at least some of my previous NHS nutrition remit, but I have enjoyed this temporary change of role.

Hazel Stevenson, Environmental Health Manager at Aberdeen City Council COVID-diary contribution accounts the incredible work carried out by the COVID-19 Expert Officers Group and also then answers questions on how her role at the local authority has changed.

The Work of the ETC19 Group

On the declaration of the public health coronavirus emergency, the Scottish Government introduced the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (‘the Covid Regs’). It was obvious that this would fall to local authority Environmental Health and Trading Standards services to enforce. Discussions took place between the Chairs of Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland (SoCOEHS) and Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards Scotland (SCOTSS) to agree the best way forward. 

In order to best coordinate our collective response to this duty, it was agreed that the way forward was to form an expert officers’ group who would lead on the interpretation of the regulations and guidance to ensure the consistency of application across Scotland.    

Within a week the ETC19 Group (Environmental Health and Trading Standards COVID-19 Group) was formed, I was invited to be a member and it met for the first time on 3rd April 2020. To date we continue to meet twice weekly.

Clearly this work could not be accomplished without involvement and cooperation of the other agencies involved in this response and so representatives from Police Scotland and HSE, as well as Scottish Government were invited to join.

Thematic subgroups were organised to respond to the demands placed on the group. These covered opinions and supporting information to local authorities; interpretation of the COVID Regs and Guidance; and establishing enforcement process, data sets and safe working practices guidance. 

Early success included:

• Established the ‘Explain, Engage, Encourage and Enforce’ enforcement policy, agreed by all 32 Scottish local authorities and consistent with the approach adopted by Police Scotland
• Agreed with Police Scotland how the duties set out under the regulations would be addressed by local authorities and Police Scotland
• Agreed the demarcation of business sites with the Health & Safety Executive and local authority Environmental Health teams
• Development of nationally agreed template for Prohibition Notices
• Established working relationships with Scottish Government on various groups to progress policy and guidance for business
• Agreed a suite of data sets which could be used to inform the Scottish Government and elected members of the levels of compliance work being carried out across Scotland  

The group immediately started to consider questions from local authorities and began producing FAQs which were circulated to all authorities and hosted, until recently, on the SCOTSS COVID web page. Where it is not possible to provide a response, the questions are fed back to the appropriate division of government to address. 

With every COVID Regs amendment or new piece of legislation, comes an interpretation from the ETC19 Group as to what this means and what it changes in terms of enforcement. This advice is circulated and used by all authorities.       

The agreed datasets quantifying the compliance assessment, business advice and reactive complaint work carried out by local authorities. It is collected on a fortnightly basis, complied, and published. They are also reported directly to the Scottish Government.

The group has been able to engage with the Scottish Government and address issues identified by enforcement officers and feed into and influence the thinking of government as the emergency has evolved. To do this the group established links with the various divisions within government that draft amendment regulations and the various pieces of sectoral guidance. 

 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Directions by Local Authorities) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 came into force on 28th August, followed by The Health protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 on 14th September. Once again, the ETC19 Group has been providing coordination and consistency of interpretation of these new regulations. A subgroup was formed to address this and produce enforcement guidance and interpretation and templates for Direction and Prohibition Notices for use.

The group continues to focus on issues around interpretation of amendments to the regulations and statutory guidance, as well as answer questions from local authorities on local issues and original compliance scenarios which require analysis.

The ETC19 group was recently nominated for and awarded an ‘Outstanding Team Contribution’ award in the CTSi Hero Awards 2020.

My involvement of the group has provided a unique opportunity to work with colleagues from different sides of the regulatory landscape and understand their perspective on compliance.  At the same time, it has also offered a unique professional development opportunity, whilst being a challenging and enjoyable experience.

1.         Describe you work before the pandemic? 

My job title is Environmental Health Manager, which broadly entailed the delivery and overseeing of the Environmental Health duties within my Local Authority.

2.         What have you been doing since the pandemic started? 

I still have the same job, however, have also had additional duties.  At the beginning of the pandemic I was tasked with leading on the excess deaths across Grampian.  This included working with the three local authorities within this area as well as other external partners such as NHS, funeral directors, Police Scotland etc. I was also responsible for giving updates and assurance to the Grampian Local Resilience Partnership COVID-19.

I have been a member of the ETC19 Group since the issue of the first set of COVID regulations for businesses.

During the Aberdeen local lockdown I had to lead and ensure resource to provide the assurance visits of all hospitality premises which was required before lifting of the restrictions.  This was done jointly with my colleagues in Trading Standards.  I have continued ensure there is necessary resource to carry out all duties under the COVID regulations, compliance visits and complaints received.

3.         What are/were the challenges? 

Initially technology was a huge challenge, this is now greatly improved. As a manager the challenge is ensuring all staff feel supported and included as we have been home working since March with no access to the office.  

4.         Do you think any of these changes will last beyond the pandemic period? 

I think resource will always remain a challenge, there will be new challenges with some of the current ones remaining, it is clear that we will not go back to how things were pre -pandemic and this brings with it many positive and negative points.