Category: News Item

A review, published by NHS Health Scotland, studies the impact of promotions on high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) food and drink on consumer purchasing and consumption behaviour, and the impact of retail based interventions on promotions.

The review found that the uptake of promotions on HFSS foods is much higher than for promotions on foods that support a healthy diet and spending on price promotions in the UK is the highest in Europe.

Temporary price reductions are the most prevalent form of promotion in Scotland, multi-buy type price promotions tend to be more common for HFSS compared to healthier food and drink. Price promotions also increase the volume of food and drink purchased in Scotland with multi-buy type promotions driving the biggest increases in volume purchased.

Changes to the environments which determine what people buy and what people eat are needed to help prevent excess weight gain, and to support individuals to maintain a healthy weight.

With uptake of price promotion at around 40% of energy intakes for all Scottish population groups; restrictions on promotions of HFSS foods and drinks are likely to affect purchasing behaviour regardless of level of deprivation or income.

Obesity in Scotland is one of the main contributors to physical and mental illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression and thirteen cancers.  Overweight and obesity now affect the majority of adults and a significant proportion of children.  In 2016, two thirds (65%) of adults were overweight including 29% who are obese and just over one in four (29%) children were at risk of being overweight, including 14% at risk of obesity.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have published the last set of results from its third survey of campylobacter contamination in fresh shop bought UK-produced chickens.

The full year’s result show that on average, across the entire market, 6.5% of chickens tested positive for the highest level of contamination which is down from 19.7% in 2014/15 when the survey began.

The full year’s results – from August 2016 to July 2017 – based on a total of 3,980 whole fresh chickens sampled at retail, show:

• The figure for high-level campylobacter prevalence (more than 1,000 colony forming units (cfu) per gram) among the top nine retailers (based on market share) was 5.6%.

• The ‘Others’ group, consisting of smaller retailers and butchers, had a significantly higher prevalence at 17.1% compared to the top nine retailers.

• The retailers with significantly lower prevalence than the average among all retailers were Morrisons (2.9%), Tesco (4.2%) and Waitrose (2.7%).

• There was a significant fall in the percentage of chickens positive for campylobacter at any level down from 73.2% in 2014/15 to 54% in 2016/17.

• In the last period of the third annual survey, April – July 2017, based on a total of 1,437 chicken samples 5.9% of chickens had high levels of campylobacter (over 1,000 cfu per gram) down from 20.1% for the same period in 2014.

In September, the FSA announced that the top nine retailers will now publish their own campylobacter results on their consumer websites and no longer be included in the FSA’s annual survey. The sampling and analyses they carry out will be in accordance with robust protocols laid down by the FSA, so all results will still be comparable. This will allow FSA and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to continue to monitor their progress and focus future surveys on smaller retailers, independent traders and market stalls, as these are more likely to be supplied by the smaller processors which are continuing to show higher levels of contamination.

Foodborne campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK and FSS research show the majority of campylobacter infections are associated with chicken. The FSA has been testing chickens for campylobacter and publishing the results since February 2014 as part of its campaign to bring together the whole food chain to tackle the problem.

Read the report here.

Keep Scotland Beautiful have published a report revealing the impact of declining local environmental quality on Scotland’s communities.

The report, Local Environmental quality in decline – further analysis, is based on data from over 14,000 surveys across Scotland. It confirms that there has been a marked increase in the presence of litter, flytipping and graffiti in communities across the country, and an overall decline in local environmental quality.

The report also notes with concern, that the country’s most deprived communities are blighted by the highest levels of litter, graffiti, flytipping, detritus and weed growth, and it is in these communities that the decline is greatest, and accelerating.

This report follows one published in March 2016, which identified that standards were falling across Scotland, after years of improvements. Since then standards have slipped further in most indicators, despite some very positive initiatives from across sectors, and a very welcome decrease in dog fouling levels.

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said:

“Overall local environmental quality standards across Scotland have reached their lowest point in over a decade. We are failing deprived communities the most, with 1 million people across the country living in dirty communities blighted by an increase in litter, graffiti and flytipping.

“The national picture is one of declining standards and neglect and has been caused by the perfect storm of austerity, unsustainable consumption, lack of civic pride and concern, and perhaps an increase in irresponsible behaviour. We have always had a problem, but until now we’ve been able to cope and clean up.

“Improving local environmental quality is not just about reducing litter levels and removing graffiti. There are wider consequences of living in a poor local environment. It impacts on health and wellbeing outcomes, contributes towards people’s fear of crime and negatively impacts economic development.

He continues to say: “We recognise that responding to declining local environmental quality is a challenge, and we are particularly sympathetic for hard pressed local authorities which are having to make increasingly difficult decisions on how budgets are prioritised. This is why we are calling for environmental quality to be given priority attention by all of those with a part to play in the solution. From changing the behaviour of those in our society who act irresponsibly and create the problem, to taking political leadership and shared strategic action to formulate a new national plan that will reverse Scotland’s environmental decline.”

It is well established that that local environmental quality is linked to poorer health and wellbeing outcomes, as well as impacting on community safety and economic development in local communities. Keep Scotland Beatiful are calling for political leadership to improve the outcomes and determined national action to reverse the decline in standards.

The Crown Office has announced that no criminal proceedings are to be brought against a cheese manufacturer over an E.coli outbreak in which a three-year-old girl died.

The Crown Office said Errington Cheese Ltd or its owners would not face prosecution over the child's death in September 2016. A criminal prosecution is still possible if new evidence becomes available and a decision to conduct a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is being carefully considered by the Crown.

The death came during an outbreak of E. coli O157 in 2016 between July and September. A total of 26 cases of the same strain of E. coli O157 were identified as a result of the outbreak, which left 17 people requiring hospital treatment.

The Incident Management Team report on the outbreak published in March this year concluded that the source of the infection was consumption of an unpasteurised cows' milk cheese.

The Incident Management Team found that potentially pathogenic E. coli were able to enter and survive the cheese production process at the food business.

The family-owned Errington, based in Lanarkshire, has never accepted that its unpasteurized Dunsyre Blue caused the outbreak or the death.

A spokeswoman for the Crown Office said: "On 2 September 2016 a three year-old Dunbartonshire girl died as a complication of an E. Coli infection. After giving the case careful consideration, Crown Counsel have concluded, based on the available evidence, that there will be no criminal proceedings brought as a result of the death. Should additional evidence come to light that decision may be reconsidered. The family have been informed of this decision. A decision on whether or not to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry is currently under careful consideration."

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that work is already underway to implement the country’s first low emission zone (LEZ).

Glasgow City Council is partnering with the Scottish Government to prepare the LEZ design and proposals that will improve air quality in Glasgow.

The final design of the Glasgow LEZ will be informed by the guiding principles that are currently being developed through the Transport Scotland “Building Scotland’s Low Emission Zones” consultation. Preparation for the Glasgow LEZ is underway with a LEZ Leadership Group and associated LEZ Delivery Group already set up.

Commenting on the announcement, Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf said: “We can be proud of the progress we’ve made in tackling air pollution, but our biggest cities, like Glasgow, are determined to create the best possible environment for communities to flourish by improving air quality. I’m delighted that Glasgow is working to have their LEZ in place by the end of 2018.

“We have pledged to work with local authorities to introduce low emission zones in Scotland’s four biggest cities by 2020 and this is a positive step towards that vision. This is a decision based on the scientific evidence which demonstrates the link between air pollution and ill health.”

“Our position is that local authorities should be ambitious, and that all vehicles including private cars should be included in a LEZ in a phased manner. Equally, low emission buses are at the heart of improving air quality and the bus sector has a key role to play. I’m proud that the Scottish Green Bus fund has already provided more than £16 million to support the introduction of hundreds of low emission buses. Today, we have again demonstrated our commitment to the bus industry through the announcement that we are providing a further £1.6 million immediately to a Bus Retrofit Programme for Scotland.

“These steps are further supported with record investment in walking and cycling to support our vision of an Active Nation. With the doubling of the active travel budget through the recent Programme for Government, we are well positioned to deliver our green ambitions for this generation and beyond.”

The Scottish Government continues to seek views on ‘Building Scotland’s Low Emission Zones.’ The consultation will be available until 28 November 2017. Views can also be shared on Twitter using the hashtag #lezconsultation.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has published revised advice to consumers on eating raw or lightly cooked eggs.

Young children, pregnant woman and the elderly can now safely eat raw or lightly cooked eggs that are produced under the British Lion Code of practice.

The revised advice follows a report from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food* which highlighted the major reduction in the risk from Salmonella in all UK hens’ eggs since 2001 and showed a particularly low risk for eggs produced with food safety controls applied by the British Lion Code of Practice.

This scientific review has highlighted the significant progress made by egg producers in Scotland and across the UK in reducing Salmonella in hens.

The FSS advice can be viewed here.

Glasgow City Council‘s pilot project to tackle issues around commercial waste in the city centre is to be rolled out in phases across the Glasgow over the next 17 months.

The pilot project began on April 3 in eight city centre locations with the primary aim of substantially reducing the adverse impact of the then current waste collection practices in parts of the city centre to enhance the appearance of the area and make a visit more pleasant.

In addition, the pilot project was expected to tackle issues of accessibility, recycling and reducing the amount of spilled waste and litter on city centre streets and lanes, all with a view to potentially expanding the scheme to the rest of the city centre and out across Glasgow.

Throughout the duration of the pilot project, the council engaged with city centre stakeholders and a survey found strong support from local residents and businesses. The latter period of the pilot project saw the eight locations completely clear of the 460 commercial waste containers that had previously been stored on the streets of these areas.

An evaluation of the pilot project, carried out by Keep Scotland Beautiful on behalf of the council, found an improvement in environmental conditions resulting in the highest cleanliness score in a decade as a result. This and other data compiled by the council showed a clear need for the project to continue and be extended into other parts of the city.

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm, said: “I am delighted by the decision to make a phased roll-out of this project across Glasgow. The pilot showed how adopting these measures made the streets of the selected areas in the city centre cleaner, greener and safer, and I look forward to the expansion of the scheme making Glasgow an even more pleasant place for everyone who lives, works or studies in the city, as well as for our visitors. I would like to thank all of our partners in the city centre who have worked with us to deliver the pilot project, and we will continue to engage with residents, business and other organisations to ensure the project is equally successful across the rest of Glasgow.”

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick said: “The new arrangements are undoubtedly challenging for some businesses, but this has to be laid against the concerns raised by many of our members about the impact on both appearance and accessibility of large commercial waste containers left in the street during the working day. The city centre pilot has been a success, and we welcome the scheme’s expansion to other parts of the city.”

The timetable for the project’s expansion was informed by public complaints and where enforcement action had to be taken for related issues. Activity in each roll-out stage will be targeted initially at higher population areas in the major and town centres in each part of the city.

Tick and Lyme disease symposium
Christine M Morrison, Chartered EHO, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

NHS Western Isles and the Scottish Health Protection Network held a symposium on Tick and Lyme disease at Sgoil Lionacleit, Isle of Benbecula on 11 August 2017. Over sixty delegates from a number of different organisations attended, in person and across nine videoconference sites.

The day was chaired by Dr. Maggie Watts, Director of Public Health, NHS Western Isles. Presentations were given by Professor Dominic Mellor and Dr. Gill Hawkins, both Health Protection Scotland and Professor Lucy Gilbert from the James Hutton Institute, which examined ticks and Lyme disease from the human, veterinary and ecological perspectives. Dr. Roger Evans, NHS Highland spoke about laboratory testing and diagnosis of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Isabell MacInnes, NHS Western Isles shared information relating to the local epidemiology of Lyme disease and Graham Charlesworth spoke about preliminary findings of “sheet dragging” studies undertaken in areas of South Uist.

The afternoon session allowed delegates to discuss aspects of prevention and awareness, what professionals need to know, tick ecology and management of the environment to help reduce Lyme disease. The event concluded with the identification of priorities for future investigation and research.

REHIS is delighted to announce that one of its newest centres, Cowal Community Hospital has successfully delivered its first REHIS training course.

Candidates working throughout the Isle of Bute locality undertook the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Course on 30 August in Rothesay on the beautiful Isle of Bute.

The course was delivered by Pauline Murty, Hotel Services Manager. Pauline recently undertook both the Intermediate Food Hygiene and Advanced Diploma in Food Hygiene courses at City of Glasgow College. She also successfully passed the REHIS Intermediate Train the Presenter course last year.

Comments from the nine candidates were favourable, most of them saying they found the course interesting, well delivered and the content relevant to their job. Pauline stated “I delivered my first Elementary Food Hygiene course on Wednesday 30th August 2017. I felt a mix of both excitement and anticipation.

I was also audited on the day by Raymond Hubbocks (Training Adviser), who guided me and has been a fantastic mentor to me. I also feel I benefitted from undertaking the Train the Presenter course held by REHIS. This course gave me a lot of hints and tips for effective presenting of the course and also gave me confidence. I’m happy to report that all candidates I trained passed.”

The European soft drinks industry, represented by UNESDA, has announced that it will voluntarily cease sales of drinks containing added sugars in secondary schools across the EU.

The new voluntary move expands on the existing decade young policy of banning soft drinks from primary schools and will impact around 50,000 secondary schools and more than 40 million young people.

The commitment for secondary schools is being introduced across the 28 European Union member countries, with complete implementation planned for the end of 2018. From then onwards, UNESDA members will only provide no  and low calorie soft drinks to secondary schools.

Members of UNESDA include Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Red Bull and Britvic. The pledge builds on a 2006 policy to not sell any beverages in primary schools or advertise to children under 12.

It was reported that there has been a 95% compliance with this pledge, covering around 28 million pupils.

The initiative responds to the changing food environment and acknowledges that special care is required in schools.

WHO Europe’s report Adolescent obesity and related behaviours, trends and inequalities 2002-2014 confirms the recent notable decreases in reported consumption of sugared soft drinks.

All food premises in England should be forced to display ‘Scores on the Doors’ ratings, the Local Government Association (LGA) has said.

The body that represents councils in England says the move should be made as part when EU laws governing food safety are converted into UK law after Brexit.

Businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland are already legally required to display their rating. However, in Scotland and England, businesses do not have to display the rating they have been awarded.

The Food Standards Agency conducted a survey in 2012 that showed 43% of restaurants and other food businesses in England put up a score, this dropped to 12% for businesses with a low rating between zero and two.

The government plans to convert EU law into domestic legislation as part of its EU (Withdrawal) Bill and councils want ministers to take that opportunity to strengthen regulation by making all restaurants and takeaways in England display their “scores on the doors” for food hygiene. This would not only improve consumer confidence and raise standards, but also reduce the need for, and therefore cost of, enforcement action by councils.

The LGA believes that businesses – including restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, sandwich shops, supermarkets and delicatessens – that fail to comply should be fined or prosecuted.

An investigation run by the Guardian and ITV News found a supplier of chicken to Britain’s supermarkets had been altering food-safety records.

The investigation involved placing undercover reporters in a 2 Sisters Food Group factory in West Bromwich for 12 days. Their allegations were published on September 28 and captured evidence of:

• Workers altering the date in which the bird was slaughtered.
• Workers altering the location in which the bird was slaughtered, potentially hampering authorities tracking the origins of the meat.
• Workers picking up fallen that had fallen onto the floor and returning it to the production line.
• Returned meat being repackaged and sent out once more to retailers.
• Workers dumping chicken slaughtered on a variety of dates into the same batch.

2 Sisters Food Group are suppliers for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Mark & Spencer, Aldi among others and it is estimated by The Guardian that a third of all chicken products eaten in Britain have been supplied by the company.

The Food Standards agency issued a statement on September 29, the day after the allegations came to light, stating they had sent inspectors into the 2 Sisters Food Group plant on September 28 in response to the evidence presented by the two news organisations. The inspectors had found ‘no evidence of breaches’ but their investigation would continue.

Heather Hancock, Chairman of the FSA said: “It is the responsibility of a food business to ensure that the food it sells is safe and what it says it is. We take any allegations of inaccurate labelling and breaches in hygiene regulations very seriously.

“Should we find any evidence of any risk to public health, any products on the market which we believe to be a cause of concern will be urgently removed from sale. We would always encourage consumers to take note of our advice on safe cooking, handling and storage of chicken and other poultry meat.”

2 Sisters Food Group have published a statement on their website advising that they have launched their own internal investigation at the West Bromwich plant. Their investigation has shown instances of non-compliance with their quality management systems and have since decided to temporarily shut operations at the site.