The annual REHIS Seminar took place on the 16th May 2007 in the Apex Hotel in Dundee and, as ever, this proved to be a popular event with 126 trainers attending. The Seminar provided an up-date on new food safety and health and safety legislation and developments in the areas of food and health and safety. The event was chaired by Martin Henry, REHIS Council member for Community Training. The early part of the morning concentrated on food safety legislation and enforcement issues with presentations from Ian McGruther, REHIS Training Adviser and Bob Drummond, Ch.EHO from Angus Council. After the break Clare Ireland, Ch.EHO also from Angus Council gave an update on Health and Safety legislation and the morning concluded, with a presentation by Peter Midgeley, on current issues being dealt with at the Food Standards Agency Scotland. Workshop sessions were held in the afternoon. These were very well received by the delegates and the Institute is very grateful to all participants for the valuable feed-back given following the workshops.

The FSA has launched its new eatwell plate to help consumers ensure a balanced diet. The plate which can be accessed on the FSA website at http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/eatwellplate/ makes healthy eating easier to understand by showing the types and proportions of foods we need to have a healthy well balanced diet.

This is a summary of a study carried out by the Department of Public Health ,University of Dundee on behalf of the Scottish Government Health Department Chief Scientist Office. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that influence the food choices made by mothers of young children who live in areas of high deprivation.

The Eatwell plate is the national food guide used in Scotland. The guide introduces the five food groups used in nutritional planning, illustrates the types of foods within each group, the balance between groups and provides guidance on frequency and portion sizes of fruits, vegetables and fish. The study aims to identify approaches to designing quantitative guidance on food consumption for adults and to ascertain perceived desirability and practical communication issues surrounding the use of such guidance. The report is available at Full report

The text for REHIS Intermediate Food Hygiene courses and a reference for supervisors.

The Agency has produced guidance and a factsheet to help minimise the risk of Clostridium botulinum in vacuum and modified atmosphere packed chilled foods. The guidance is designed to assist small businesses and local authority environmental health officers assess the risks. Link to the guidance

The attached ppt slide gives the figures from 1999 to 2008.

Attached letter sent to Approved Training Centres regarding various new REHIS courses and a date for your diary. The REHIS Annual Trainers' Seminar will be held in Glasgow on the 20th October 2010.

Graham Walker

 Director of Training

 A report by Lord Young of Graffham to the Prime Minister following a Whitehall‑wide review of the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture.

The report is attached for downloading or viewing.

 A report by Lord Young of Graffham to the Prime Minister following a Whitehall‑wide review of the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture.

The report is attached for downloading or viewing.

The origins of Napo

The Napo Story

Napo is an original idea conceived by a small group of OSH communications professionals in response to the need for high quality information products to break down national boundaries and address the diverse cultures, languages and practical needs of people at work. The films are not designed to provide comprehensive coverage of a topic, nor should they be seen as training or teaching films. The role of Napo and his friends is to provide an appetiser to OSH through their engaging characters, amusing story lines, and their humorous and light-hearted approach. “Safety with a smile” is Napo’s contribution to safer, healthier and better workplaces. Each film is co-produced by a number of European Institutions. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in Bilbao, Spain has funded the development of the website. All films are available on line at http://www.napofilm.net/en

The origins of Napo

The Napo Story

Napo is an original idea conceived by a small group of OSH communications professionals in response to the need for high quality information products to break down national boundaries and address the diverse cultures, languages and practical needs of people at work. The films are not designed to provide comprehensive coverage of a topic, nor should they be seen as training or teaching films. The role of Napo and his friends is to provide an appetiser to OSH through their engaging characters, amusing story lines, and their humorous and light-hearted approach. “Safety with a smile” is Napo’s contribution to safer, healthier and better workplaces. Each film is co-produced by a number of European Institutions. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in Bilbao, Spain has funded the development of the website. All films are available on line at http://www.napofilm.net/en