Category: News Item

Following a meeting with airlines and allergy sufferers, the UK Government wants to see improved clarity and consistency in how the aviation industry deals with allergies. 

The Aviation Minister, Baroness Liz Sugg, has met with allergy sufferers, medical experts and airlines to explore options for improving the flying experience for those who suffer from nut allergies.

While passenger numbers continue to grow, barriers remain for people with additional needs, such as those suffering from allergies, meaning they are less likely to choose to fly or find the experience more difficult when they do.

The meeting follows the publication of the consultation on the future of aviation, Aviation 2050, which proposes the introduction of a passenger charter. The charter will set out clear standards for a range of passenger issues which could include more consistent information for consumers with allergies.

Baroness Sugg said: “Passengers with nut allergies can face potentially life-threatening challenges when travelling which can cause significant stress and anxiety, especially for families with children. We want to see improved clarity and consistency in how the sector deals with allergies because it is vital that sufferers have the confidence to travel. It is clear that airlines want to help too and build on the good practice that already exists. They will now meet with food allergy sufferers to explore further what more can be done. The Department for Transport will work with industry, the CAA and allergy groups to ensure there is a central point where people can access the allergy policies of individual airlines and the procedures for alerting airlines when there are passengers travelling with allergy needs.”

Some airlines have stopped serving nuts on flights, which provides some reassurance for those with allergies, but the possibility of exposure cannot be fully ruled out. Airlines already take the welfare of their passengers very seriously and have processes in place to enable passengers to notify them in advance of their flight of any allergies to reduce risk and mitigate against potential exposure.

The Government is currently consulting on measures to improve the flying experience for those with nut allergies as part of the Aviation Strategy green paper, and welcomes contributions from interested parties.

In the Daily Telegraph, the US Ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, has urged the UK to embrace US farming methods.

The US Ambassador says US practices such a chlorinated- washing of chicken and feeding growth hormones to cattle are the “future of arming” while the EU’s “traditionalist approach” belongs in the past. 

The article goes on to say, “You have been presented with a false choice,” he wrote. “Either stick to EU directives, or find yourselves flooded with American food of the lowest quality. Inflammatory and misleading terms like ‘chlorinated chicken’ and ‘hormone beef’ are deployed to cast American farming in the worst possible light.

“It is time the myths are called out for what they really are. A smear campaign from people with their own protectionist agenda.”

He also said the EU’s “Museum of Agriculture” approach was not sustainable adding: “American farmers are making a vital contribution to the rest of the world. Their efforts deserve to be recognised. 

He also said the EU’s “Museum of Agriculture” approach was not sustainable adding: “American farmers are making a vital contribution to the rest of the world. Their efforts deserve to be recognised. 

He also notes that using chlorine to wash chicken was the same as that used by EU farmers to treat their fresh produce and describing it as a “public safety no-brainer”, he insisted it was the most effective and economical way of dealing with “potentially lethal” bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter.

The comments were made after the US published its objectives to a potential trade deal with the UK. The US government has called for comprehensive market access for produce to reach Britain. This includes removing certain sanitary and phytosanitary standards on imported goods.

The EU currently limits US imports of certain food products, including chicken and beef.

The UK Government has repeatedly denied it will accept lower food standards. A spokesperson said: “We have always been very clear that we will not lower our food standards as part of future trading agreement” 

The National Union of Farmers (NUF) says it isn’t surprised that the US is pushing for a trade deal which accepts US production standards and practices.

“It is imperative that any future trade deals, including a possible deal with the US, do not allow the imports of food produced to lower standards than those required of British farmers,” says NFU President Minette Batters.

“British people value and demand the high standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety that our own farmers adhere to. These world-leading standards must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of reaching rushed trade deals. We should not accept trade deals which allow food to be imported into this country produced in ways which would be illegal here.”

What is chlorine-washed chicken?

In the US, it is legal to wash chicken carcasses in strongly chlorinated water.

Producers argue that it stops the spread of microbial contamination from the bird's digestive tract to the meat, a method approved by US regulators.

But the practice has been banned in the EU since 1997, where only washing with cold air or water is allowed. This ban has stopped all imports of US chicken meat which is generally treated by this process.

However, it is not consuming chlorine itself that the EU is concerned about, in 2005 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said that "exposure to chlorite residues arising from treated poultry carcasses would be of no safety concern."

Chlorine-rinsed bagged salads are common in the UK and other countries in the EU. However, the EU believes that relying on a chlorine treatment as a solution at the end of meat production process could be a way of compensating for poor hygiene standards- such as dirty or crowded abbattoirs.

In the EU, chicken farmers tend to manage potential contamination issues by adopting higher welfare standards. There are also increasing consumer trends demanding a high level of animal welfare. 

However, with the UK on the verge of exiting the EU and with it, it’s strict food safety regulation, there are many opportunities and challenges which need to be addressed in terms of good agricultural practices, market access and trade with third-party countries. 

This includes US poultry farmers who want access to the UK market post-Brexit. 

Analysis from Churchill Home Insurance reveals that 118 calls a day are being made about statutory nuisances across Scotland.

Analysing figures from Freedom of Information requests to councils, Churchill Home Insurance contacted local councils to find out which ones have the most nuisance complaints – and found that noise is the top bugbear.

The research reveals 43,222 statutory nuisance complaints were made to local councils in Scotland between August 2016 and July 2017. 

More than half (51 per cent) of all complains were about noise, followed by light (18 per cent), plants (12 per cent), rubbish (six per cent) and air pollution (five per cent).

There were 130 noise abatement notice issued which was down 21 per cent on the previous year. Eight of the noise abatement notices were not complied with which included four in Shetland and resulted in an average fine of £144. 

A beach and harbour in Fife have been closed off as a precaution following a suspected oil spill. This was after residents reported a strong smell of oil, and pockets of pollution were seen on the shoreline near the Limekilns / Charlestown area .

An operation is now underway to remove polluted parts of Limekilns beach and the area adjacent to the harbour.

On commenting on the incident, Lisa McCann, Service Manager – Environmental Health at Fife Council said: “Environmental Health are members of the Incident Management Team which involves all relevant Fife Council Services and partner agencies. Officers from Environmental Health took immediate steps following notification of the incident to protect public health, and continue to support the work of the Incident Management Team.

The clean-up plan of action is being implemented, with the most contaminated areas being remedied first. A specialist firm is in the process of removing and disposing of approximately 500 tonnes of contaminated material from the area. We are working closely with all partners, including SEPA, which is undertaking sample testing.”

Another spokeswoman for Fife Council said: “Progress is being made to clear contaminated seaweed and clean up the coastline around Limekilns and Charlestown following an oil based spill in the area.

“Samples are currently being tested by Sepa and investigations into the source of the pollution are ongoing.

“The affected areas remain closed to the public. ”

Environmental Health Officers and SEPA have been at the beaches trying to trace the source of the spill. SEPA said early indications pointed to an isolated incident which is not ongoing.

Environmental Health have erected warning signs at the beach area stating the area has been contaminated by an unknown pollutant and to avoid contact with the beach, not to take anything home from the beach, to consumer any fish/shellfish from the shore and also to wash hands and foot wear.

Forth Ports, which owns the nearby port of Rosyth, said the spill appears to be a light refined diesel. The firm also said its investigations on the scene suggest the spill came from a drain on the land. The suspected oil spill has been seen in the Firth of Forth and on the beaches.

A spokesman for Forth Ports said: “We are currently investigating a reported small oil spill on the beach at Limekilns. It appears to be a light refined diesel.

“On receiving the initial report, Forth Ports immediately sent a pollution response vessel to the area to investigate and nothing was found on the water.

“Subsequent investigations from our on scene response suggest spill has come from a drain on the land. We are working with SEPA and Fife Council on this.”

Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This incident is very concerning. Urgent action is needed to ensure that lasting damage isn’t caused to local wildlife and the surrounding environment.

“I’ve contacted SEPA, in order to find out more about the source of this pollution, and the steps that are being taken to address the matter.”

“This will be especially disappointing to the Charlestown, Limekilns and Pattiesmuir nature conservation group, who have been working incredibly hard to clean up local beaches in recent months.”

The European Aviation Environmental Report 2019, published jointly by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the European Environment Agency (EEA) and EUROCONTROL, provides an updated assessment of the environmental performance of the aviation sector in Europe.

The report states that, while aviation has produced economic benefits, stimulated innovation and improved connectivity within Europe, the sector's growth has also increased its negative impacts on climate change, noise and air quality.

Key findings of the report show that the number of flights by 8% between 2014 and 2017, and are expected to grow by 42% from 2017 to 2040. There has been an increase in overall noise and emissions since 2014, despite technological improvements and fleet renewal.

In 2016, domestic aviation and international aviation were together accountable for 3.6% of the total EU28 greenhouse gas emissions and for 13.4% of the emissions from transport. By 2040, CO2 and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from aviation are expected to increase by at least 21% and 16%, respectively.

The environmental efficiency of aviation continues to improve and, by 2040, further improvements are expected in average fuel burn per passenger kilometer flown (-12 %) and noise energy per flight (-24 %).

The EEA has previously analysed the environmental and climate impacts of aviation in its 2017 TERM report ‘Aviation and shipping — impacts on Europe's environment’.

A body modification artist, known as “Dr Evil” who carried out a number of extreme procedures at his studio in Wolverhampton, including ear and nipple removal and tongue-splitting, pleaded guilty to three counts of grievous bodily harm (GBH).

All procedures including the removal of a customer’s ear, a client’s nipple and splitting a customer’s tongue, were carried out without an anaesthetic.

Public protection officers at the City of Wolverhampton Council served a notice on a tattoo parlour owner preventing him from carrying out body modification under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The tattoo parlour had been carrying out what were considered to be significant cosmetic procedures which should be carried out in a suitable medical facility.

An ear, nose and throat specialist, engaged by the City of Wolverhampton Council, advised that lack of medical training, an unsuitable operating environment, lack of specialist equipment, and working with untrained personnel at the tattoo parlour, meant that clients were at risk of severe bleeding, infection and life-changing complications.

A cabinet member for City of Wolverhampton Council called for the introduction of national legislation to protect members of the public against the risks of extreme body modification.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment at City of Wolverhampton Council said: “We have exposed a national issue which requires a national regulation to be introduced to protect members of the public against the risks of extreme body modification.

“Whilst I’m sure Mr McCarthy considers himself an artist, providing a service removing and cutting people’s body parts without adequate medical training from unsuitable retail premises, presents a risk to the public that we are not prepared to accept.

“McCarthy has been undertaking significant cosmetic practises which need to be carried out in a suitable medical facility and customers need to be psychologically vetted before the procedure.

“Cosmetic surgery requires a high level of legislation and we will be asking national government to address these extreme practises that are being increasingly requested by the public.”

McCarthy will be sentenced on Thursday 21 March, 2019 at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and partners, in collaboration with public analysis laboratories, will conduct a comprehensive survey of the microbiological pathogens in minced beef across Scotland. The aim of this survey is to collect data on the microbiological quality of retail beef mince on sale in Scotland. 

In the first such survey of fresh beef mince at retail level in Scotland, the year-long project will study 1,000 samples from retail outlets across the country. 

Commissioned by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and led by SRUC, the survey aims to generate baseline data on the prevalence of pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms in mince beef on retail sale. It is also hoped to identify any possible patterns in the variation (such as seasonal or geographical patterns) in order to identify any risk factors associated with microbiological contamination.

This will be done by undertaking comprehensive survey of the microbiological pathogens STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli), Campylobacter, Salmonella and hygiene indicator organisms (generic E. coli and aerobic colony counts) in minced beef. All of the pathogens detected and a subset of 100 isolates of generic E. coliwill be tested for antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Led by scientists from SRUC’s Epidemiology Research Unit in Inverness, the survey will involve three Scientific Services Laboratories, two Scottish Microbiological Reference Laboratories as well as input from the Food-Borne Pathogens Group at the University of Aberdeen.

The sampling programme will take place between January and December 2019, with a report due to be published next year. The project will study 1,000 mince samples from retail outlets across Scotland. 

The Scottish Government is gathering information and views on the use and regulation of fireworks in Scotland. They are seeking views on experiences and what the public think about the way fireworks are currently used.

Fireworks are traditionally associated with festivities which celebrate events that are important to different communities across Scotland. Fireworks can bring colour and excitement to the special occasions that are important to us.

However, fireworks are potentially dangerous and need to be used safely and handled with care to avoid serious injury. For some, the noise made by setting off fireworks can be a nuisance, and the disturbance can cause distress to both people and animals.

While much of the current legislation on fireworks is reserved to Westminster the consultation aims to help identify gaps, issues or unintended consequences with the current regulatory framework. The Scottish Government want to hear any views of the public on whether the regulations on how fireworks are used needs to be improved.

The Scottish Government are hosting a series of engagement events on the Consultation on Fireworks, where individuals, communities and professionals are invited to come along to give their views.

Events will provide an opportunity to explore and discuss the use and impact – both positive and negative – of fireworks use in Scotland.  This is an excellent opportunity for those with an interest in discussing views and ideas on what action can be taken to ensure fireworks continue to be enjoyed safely and responsible.

The consultation closed on 13 May 2019 and can be accessed here.

High levels of a toxic chemical have been detected in Glasgow waterway, turning the burn bright green, are to be flushed into the River Clyde.

Officers from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have sealed off the Polmadie burn, which runs through Richmond Park in the south of the city, after tests revealed high concentrations of hexavalent chromium in the water.

Local residents had raised the alarm after noticing the water had become "luminous green" in late January.

Decontamination has been ongoing in the area for years to rid it of potentially hazardous industrial chromium left behind in the ground by the former J&J White's Chemical Works, which closed in 1967.

Exposure to hexavalent chromium is known increase the risk of lung cancer, asthma, kidney and liver problems and irritates skin and eyes.

Temporary 'Heras' metal fencing has now been erected around the burn following warnings from environmental health officers that the site posed a potential risk to public health.

The J&J White's Chemical Works operated in Rutherglen from 1820 until 1967. Much of the waste by-products in form of Chromite Ore Processing Residue were used to back fill the former clay pits, near the West Burn in Shawfield, resulting in a legacy of contamination.

Investigations established that the Polmadie Burn was becoming contaminated with chromium flowing into it from the nearby West Burn Culvert Diversion, which is routed underground and passes through the site of some of these former backfilled clay pits.

To deal with the problem, a decision was taken and work carried out on 21 January to divert the culverted West Burn. The diversion redirected a significant proportion of the contaminated water which used to flow into the Polmadie Burn away, carrying it straight into the River Clyde instead where it is diluted enough not to pose a public health risk.

However, SEPA believe that the current contamination of the Polmadie Burn has occurred because the time of the West Burn diversion coincided with a dry period, meaning the residual water which flowed into the Polmadie Burn had higher than normal concentrations of chromium in it.

In addition, groundwater from the abandoned culvert also continues to leak into the Polmadie Burn until the culvert is fully sealed up, which is expected to take another two weeks to complete.

A proposal to allow more water to flow into the Polmadie Burn to dilute the chemicals has been agreed following a meeting between Glasgow City Council, SEPA and Clyde Gateway. The flushing process requires a licence from SEPA and must be done in a controlled manner. The water will eventually flow into the River Clyde.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “Following a site visit last week and confirmation about the temporary high concentration of hexavalent chromium in the Polmadie Burn, Heras fencing has been put in place to restrict public access and there is an agreed proposal to temporarily increase the flow of the burn, in a controlled way, to dilute the level of chromium.”

"[SEPA] expect that the majority of the chromium that used to get into the Polmadie Burn has now stopped, but until the abandoned West Burn culvert is fully sealed, some contamination from the groundwater may continue to get there, but in much smaller volumes than before.

"The reduced dilution in the Polmadie Burn is making the contamination look more concentrated, so for now it looks worse (greener). Once the abandoned culvert is fully sealed, and is no longer acting as a pathway, SEPA expect to see the colour gradually disappear and that heavy rainfall would speed this up considerably."

What is hexavalent chromium?

Hexavelent chromium is a heavy metal with a number of uses across industries including textile dyes, paints and plastics.

While metallic chromium is inert and safe, in certain chemical compounds chromium forms ions with a plus-six positive charge. If this hexavalent form of chromium then gets into the body – eaten, or dissolved in water, or vaporised by a welding torch and then inhaled – it can cause cancer.

It was restricted from use in electronics manufacturing in EU countries in 2003 under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.

It was listed alongside nine other elements including lead and mercury.

The UK food industry has threatened to suspend it cooperation with government policy consultations, until the "catastrophic impact" of a no-deal Brexit is resolved. 

The warning came in a letter to Environment Secretary Michael Gove from the heads of more than 30 trade associations, in which they argue that their focus on mitigating the potential consequences of a hard Brexit means they have insufficient resources to address other policy issues.

The letter, which has been signed by the heads of organisations including the Food and Drink Federation, National Farmers' Union and UK Hospitality, urges the government to halt the publication of proposals on range of current and planned industry consultations such as those relating additional curbs on the advertising of sugary foods until the Brexit uncertainty is over.

The food industry executives said the focus on Brexit meant that "at this moment of potential crisis for our industry, it cannot be 'business as usual' within government".

"Neither we nor our members have the physical resources nor organisational bandwidth to engage with and properly respond to non-Brexit related policy consultations or initiatives at this time.

"Government has recruited many extra staff; we cannot."

They demand that Mr Gove and his colleagues suspend "current and planned consultations that will impact food and drink… until this uncertainty is over".

"If government seeks to press ahead with these consultations it will be seen by some as a sign of bad faith and many organisations may decline to respond," it warned.

The letter underlines the sense of frustration in the private sector

"Businesses throughout the UK food chain – and their trade associations – are now totally focused on working to mitigate the catastrophic impact of a no-deal Brexit," says the letter, which was sent last Friday.

"Large amounts of time, money, people and effort are being diverted to that end."

Among the expected consultations that food and drink sector bosses want to be delayed, and referred to in the letter, are a deposit return scheme for England and Wales; a consistent national recycling collection service; proposals for a tax on plastic items with less than 30% recycled content; and a national action plan on the sustainable use of pesticides.

The letter, first reported by Sky, highlights food industry chiefs' anger about the continued lack of clarity over the terms of the UK's departure from the EU.

The government said leaving the EU with a deal remained its "top priority".

"We are meeting weekly with representatives from our food and drink industry to help prepare for all scenarios," said a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The full list of signatories to the latest plea to the Environment Secretary also comprises the heads of the Agricultural Industries Confederation; Association of Bakery Ingredient Manufacturers; Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers; Association of Labour Providers; British Coffee Association; British Food Importers and Distributors Association; British Frozen Food Federation; British Growers Association; British Meat Processors Association; British Poultry Association; British Specialist Nutrition Association; Council for Responsible Nutrition UK; Dairy UK; Federation of Bakers; Federation of Wholesale Distributors; Fresh Produce Consortium; Food and Drink Federation Scotland; Food and Drink Wales Industry Board; Health Food Manufacturers' Association; International Meat Trade Association; National Association of Cider Manufacturers; Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association; Packaging Federation; Potato Processors Association; Provision Trade Federation; Scotland Food and Drink; Seasoning and Spice Association; UK Flavour Association; and the UK Tea & Infusions Association.

The tolerable standard has been amended and a house now only meets the standard if it complies with the relevant requirements in relation to satisfactory smoke and heat alarms and satisfactory carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

The standard has been amended by the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criterion) Order 2019 and now includes two new element covering smoke and heat alarms and CO alarms. 

For the first time, assessors will consider the presence, type and condition of smoke and heat alarms in a house when deciding if the house meets the tolerable standard. Assessors will also consider the presence, type and condition of CO alarms in a house when deciding if the house meets the tolerable standard. These criteria, which already formed part of the repairing standard, now apply to all houses.

The introduction of smoke and heat alarms in the tolerable standard is in recognition of the danger fire poses to the occupants of a house, and is intended to reduce the risk of loss of life, injury and damage to property in the event of fire. 

Now in order to meet the tolerable standard a house will need one smoke alarm installed in the following areas: the room most frequently used for general daytime living, i.e. hall, in every circulation space such as a hall and in every kitchen. The smoke and heat alarm require to be ceiling mounted and also interlinked. The alarms can be battery powered but require to be tamperproof long-life lithium battery. 

The introduction of CO alarms in the tolerable standard is in recognition of the danger posed to the occupants of a house by CO in concentrations hazardous to health, and the vital role early detection and warning in buildings can play in the protection and safety of the occupants. 

Now in order to meet the tolerable standard a house requires CO detectors to be fitted in all rooms where there is a fixed combustion appliance (excluding an appliance used solely for cooking) or a flue. 

The Scottish Government have produced guidance which aims to provide the information and advice needed to carry out an assessment and can be accessed here.