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A number of food and drink businesses in Scotland have been awarded funding from a new grant developed to support Scotland’s food service sector. The Healthier Food Service Fund is the latest industry support measure developed by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Programme, in partnership with Food Standards Scotland (FSS).

The initiative supports small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers supplying the out-of-home environment, which includes cafes, restaurants, and workplace dining. Recipients of the fund will receive up to £5,000, which is provided by FSS. This will be used in conjunction with the free reformulation support provided by the Reformulation for Health Programme. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government to help Scottish SME food and drink manufacturers make recipe adjustments which will make products healthier, helping to improve the nation’s dietary health.

This support package will help make healthier products available to consumers, by reducing fat, sugar, calories or salt, or increasing fibre, wholegrain, or fruit and vegetables in existing food and drink products.

Consumers across Scotland are set to benefit, with successful businesses spanning the nation. This includes Aberdeen-based Sandwich Larder which supplies sandwiches and snacks to NHS hospitals. While Brose Oats based in East Linton will use the funding to reduce the natural sugars and saturated fat in its chocolate oat milk, which is a firm favourite with their younger consumers. Edinburgh-based Saltire Patisserie will boost the health credentials of its popular bagel range by increasing the fibre and reducing the sodium content. These are supplied into the higher and further education sector, benefitting the dietary health of young adults across Scotland.

Meanwhile Malcolm Allan is set to reduce the sodium content of their much-loved steak pies and sausages, reviewing options for making the products healthier while maintaining the flavour and taste. Fans of bubble tea in Glasgow will benefit from the development of lower sugar boba-tea flavour options by Tempo Tea Bar. While Newton Stewart-based Rowan Glen will reduce the sugar content of yoghurts supplied to schools, while also exploring opportunities to add Vitamin D and fibre. Further businesses to receive support include well-loved Scottish brands Macsween of Edinburgh and Ayrshire-based Brownings the Bakers.

Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Manager, said: 

“We are delighted to support businesses that supply the food service sector in overcoming the challenges of reformulation and in making healthier options easier for consumers. The Reformulation for Health Programme has supported innovative projects that have removed billions of calories from Scottish food products in line with public health goals and we look forward to seeing these businesses achieve similar success.”

Lesley Curtis, Public Health Nutrition Advisor at FSS, said: 

”Evidence shows that reformulation, for example, by reducing portion size or calories, is one of the most effective ways industry can help improve dietary health in Scotland. Food and drinks purchased when eating out or on the go foods tend to be higher in calories, fat, sugar and salt than those we buy from supermarkets.

“FSS is pleased to be supporting the food service sector in Scotland to engage in reformulating their products to ensure people can access healthier food when away from home, which can lead to a positive change to public health.”

If food and drink businesses are interested in finding out more about how FDF Scotland can support you with recipe reformulation please email reformulation@fdfscotland.org.uk.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published the annual EU One Health Zoonoses Report.

The main findings are, in 2023, listeriosis cases reached their highest level since 2007, while campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis remained the most frequently reported zoonotic diseases in the EU. Overall, reported cases of zoonotic diseases in humans increased, but foodborne outbreaks saw a slight decline.

The number of reported human cases of listeriosis (2,952) showed a consistent rise over the 2019–2023 period, hitting their highest levels since 2007. This might be linked to Europe’s ageing population — 21.3% of Europeans are now over 65 years old — which, in connection with the growing prevalence of chronic age-related diseases, raises the risk of severe symptoms in older age groups. Contaminated ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, such as cold smoked salmon, meat products and dairy products, are the most common source of infections. The latest data show that the proportion of samples from RTE food categories that exceed food safety contamination limits for Listeria monocytogenes ranged from 0.11% to 0.78%, with the highest level reported for fermented sausages.

Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis were the most frequently reported zoonotic diseases in humans in the EU. In 2023, 148,181 campylobacteriosis cases were reported, marking an increase from 139,225 in 2022. After campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis was the second most reported gastrointestinal infection in humans, with 77,486 cases, compared to 65,478 cases in 2022.

The report also monitors foodborne outbreaks in the EU, defined as events during which at least two people contract the same illness from the same contaminated food. A total of 5,691 foodborne outbreaks were reported in 2023, registering a slight decrease compared to the previous year. However, the number of human cases, hospitalisations, and deaths increased, with fatalities reaching their highest level in a decade. Salmonella remained the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks, cases, hospitalisations and deaths. The increased use of whole genome sequencing improved the sensitivity of surveillance, enhancing the ability to detect outbreaks in Member States that implemented it.

One Health is a multi-sectoral approach that aims to balance and optimise the health of people, animals, plants and their shared environment, recognising their interconnection. By promoting joint actions, One Health brings together professionals from various disciplines to tackle complex health threats in an integrated manner..

An interactive map showing information about publicly-owned land, as well as land managed by Scottish Crown Estate, has been created.

The public land map allows anyone to view the location and range of much of the public land in Scotland. Users can explore information on individual land parcels, including its ownership and size.

The information has been brought together as a searchable map for the first time to include land managed by Crown Estate Scotland and the four main landowning public bodies in Scotland; Forestry and Land Scotland, NatureScot, Scottish Water and the Scottish Ministers Crofting and Farming Estate.

Public and Scottish Crown Estate managed land makes up 11% of Scotland – equivalent to around 857,000 hectares – making it a vital national asset in tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Rural Affairs and Land Reform Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“I would like to thank all of our partners who have helped develop this resource that will allow people to explore the range of public or Scottish Crown Estate land in Scotland. Given the scale of it, at more than 10% of Scotland, this land provides us with opportunities for increasing opportunities for agriculture, woodland creation and peatland restoration, which in tandem with the existing capacity for timber production and renewable energy generation, are crucial to reducing our emissions.

“This is a significant demonstration of our commitment to providing transparency of public land ownership in Scotland.”

Ronan O’Hara, Chief Executive of Crown Estate Scotland, said:

“Crown Estate Scotland’s land and assets – which are held in trust for the people of Scotland – represent both a crucial resource and a key part of the country’s natural landscape.

“Crown Estate Scotland wants these assets to be used for the long-term benefit of the people of Scotland and we are delighted to be as open and transparent about those assets as possible. This is to make sure people know what is being held on their behalf and what we are doing to protect those assets for the long term.”

The REHIS office will close at 3pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will re-open on Friday 3 January.  If you have an urgent query, please email contact@

The IFEH Magazine Environment & Health International Volume 24 No 3, Nov 2024 Edition is now available here

Annual General Meeting

The Institute’s Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 22 November at the COSLA Conference Centre in Edinburgh with a good turnout from members, some in person and others online.  Lynn Crothers gave her Presidential Report reflecting on the previous year in her role as President with Martin Henry, Honorary Treasurer giving the financial update. 

Alan Morrison has now been installed as the Institute’s President for the coming year. Congratulations to Alan and all the newly elected Members of the Council.  You can view the Council Members here. MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL – REHIS

Martin Henry and Lynn Crothers       

Alan Morrison, President

Prior to the AGM was the Institute’s annual Environmental Health Update where we heard from an excellent line up of speakers including Dr Margaret Douglas of Public Health Scotland speaking about Transport Poverty and Dr Maria Rossi speaking about “Developing a Population Health Framework for Scotland”. The presentations from the event will soon be available on the REHIS Members area. 

REHIS Annual Environmental Public Health and Housing Update, 27 November 2024

The annual Public Health and Housing update event is being held on 27 November.  Presenters include Dr Tim Everett speaking on the Effectiveness of Statutory Nuisance, Jim Wilson from Scottish Government speaking on Responsible Dog ownership, Dr Neil Cunningham speaking on the Impact of Climate Change on Public Health, Food & Security and also Robin Mitchell speaking on Cryptosporidium and Swimming Pools.  To book a place please click hereEnvironmental Public Health & Housing Update – REHIS

Coming soon – Investigative Interview Training, 28, 29 and 30 January 2025

The Institute is hosting an ‘Investigative Interview Training’ course in January, to be held in Stirling, which is being delivered jointly by George Barnsley and Applied Theatre.  More information on this event will be out very soon.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) new report, Safer Lives, Stronger Nation, shows that as well as the tragic human loss, preventable accidents cost the UK a massive £12 billion every year due to lost working days and medical care.

Accidental deaths in the UK have reached an all-time high, with the rate increasing by 42% over the last decade, making them the second biggest killer of people under 40.

RoSPA is now calling on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS.

RoSPA’s report reveals that you are substantially more likely to suffer a serious accident today than you were 20 years ago. The rate of accidental deaths in the UK has increased by 42% in the last decade: accidents now take over 20,000 lives each year, which is more than the capacity of London’s O2 arena.

Accidental deaths have risen in Scotland (up 57%), England (up 40%), Wales (up 41%) and Northern Ireland (up 56%) since 2013. Accidents are the second biggest killer of people under 40 (after intentional injuries) and the most common cause of preventable death in children under 15.

New data from all four nations, collated by RoSPA, reveals that almost half (46%) of all accidental deaths (over 9,700 people) in 2022 resulted from falls. Over a quarter (26%) resulted from poisonings and 7% were because of a road traffic accident or transport related. Falls also accounted for nearly two thirds (61%) of all accident-related hospital admissions (almost 450,000 instances).
 
Accidents from crushing, striking, powered hand tools and machinery (known medically as ‘exposure to inanimate mechanical forces’) accounted for over one in 10 (12%) of all accident-related hospital admissions, and 7% were because of a road traffic accident or transport related.

New data from all four nations, collated by RoSPA, reveals that almost half (46%) of all accidental deaths (over 9,700 people) in 2022 resulted from falls. Over a quarter (26%) resulted from poisonings and 7% were because of a road traffic accident or transport related. Falls also accounted for nearly two thirds (61%) of all accident-related hospital admissions (almost 450,000 instances).
 
Accidents from crushing, striking, powered hand tools and machinery (known medically as ‘exposure to inanimate mechanical forces’) accounted for over one in 10 (12%) of all accident-related hospital admissions, and 7% were because of a road traffic accident or transport related.

Becky Hickman, Chief Executive at RoSPA, said: “The UK is facing an accident crisis. We are all substantially more likely to suffer a serious accident today than we were 20 years ago. We must take action now to stop further preventable deaths and serious injuries – accidents are avoidable and do not need to happen. Even those who have never been involved in an accident are still suffering, as increasing numbers of accidents are choking the UK economy and engulfing the NHS – taking up bed space, money, time and resources that could be directed to other serious illnesses.
 
“Our new report revealing the growing numbers and types of fatal and life-changing accidents across the UK unveils a new public health scandal. By implementing a National Accident Prevention Strategy to sit across government departments problems can be tackled at their core, with a joined-up approach to cover all types of accidents – whether they happen at home, on the road, at work or in public. For too long we have accepted the economic and social consequences of accidents, and we’re still paying the price. We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to make the UK a safer place to live.”

Dan Evans, Chief Executive at Speedy Hire who are partnering RoSPA in this campaign, said: “We take health and safety extremely seriously, and it is a source of immense pride that we have been recognised for our excellence in keeping colleagues and customers safe. For us, colleague safety doesn’t begin and end at the workplace door, which is why at Speedy Hire we take a ‘whole person, whole life’ approach. This has never been more important to do so, as RoSPA’s report reveals people are far more likely to suffer a serious accident at home than they are at work. Both the cost of accidents to peoples’ personal lives and to businesses is far too high, so we must act now to keep people safe and support economic growth.”
 
RoSPA is calling for the Government to seize the initiative and create a National Accident Prevention Strategy – a first for the UK. And, because it’s impossible to arrest a crisis like this without a plan, RoSPA proposes that the National Accident Prevention Strategy is the specific responsibility of an individual minister without a portfolio. This would enable the minister to treat accident prevention holistically, with the authority to attend the Cabinet and the ability to convene cross-departmental committees.
 
The National Accident Prevention Strategy must:

• Take a joined-up approach which cuts across departments and provides strategic leadership to guide policy making at national level
• Empower individual departments or agencies to craft and implement more detailed policies
• Propose ambitious and evidence-led but realistic policy interventions to reduce accident rates
• Cover the core sectors directly affecting the UK economy: home, work, product, leisure and transport
• Be forward-facing to address emerging challenges, like the climate crisis, the rise of AI and the UK’s ageing population
• Address inequalities like deprivation, age, ethnicity and region
• Take a four-nations approach to data sharing and collaboration
• Strengthen Government’s data collection and publishing processes relating to accidents.

Find out more and read RoSPA’s full report, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’ here.

Latest figures, published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) on 21 November, show laboratory reports of norovirus in Scotland have increased in recent weeks. Norovirus cases are known to peak in winter and so can be expected to rise over the season.

Public Health Scotland received 1629 laboratory reports for norovirus in Scotland up to the end of week 45 (week ending 17 November 2024), compared to 1,563 the previous week.

Norovirus is a common illness that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be very unpleasant, but most people make a full recovery within a couple of days.

The most effective way of helping to protect yourself from winter bugs, including norovirus, is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Handwashing with soap and water is best, as alcohol hand gels are not effective against norovirus. By keeping hands clean and encouraging children to practise good hand hygiene as well, we can significantly reduce the transmission of infections.

It is also important to minimise contact with others if you have norovirus. If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, stay away from work, school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.

Watch this helpful video to find out how to wash your hands properly.

More information on the symptoms of norovirus and what to do if you think you might have the infection is available on NHS Inform.

View the latest laboratory reports of norovirus in Scotland

The UK Government has announced Tobacco & Vapes legislation.

The bill includes measures to create a smoke-free generation, phasing out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone aged 15 or younger this year, breaking the cycle of addiction and disadvantage. 

In addition, the UK Government will be given powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces – with children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals all being considered, subject to consultation.

The measures announced include:

• Rising age of sale for tobacco applying to anyone aged 15 or younger in 2024, intended to phase out the sale of tobacco at retail;
• Powers to extend indoor smoking ban to include certain outdoor areas with a focus on protecting children and those who are vulnerable (schools, playgrounds and hospitals mentioned), subject to consultation;
• Subject to consultation, the government is also considering extending restrictions in places that are currently smoke free to also become vape free, especially in areas where there are children and young adults.   
• A ban in the Bill on vape advertising and sponsorship, plus powers to restrict the flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes as well as other nicotine products;
• Introduce new fixed penalty on the spot fines for retailers breaching regulations;

ASH Scotland has welcomed this strong set of proposals:ASH Scotland welcomes Tobacco and Vapes Bill’s strong measures to continue driving down tobacco use – ASH Scotland

Scottish Health Minister Jenni Minto welcomed the announcement, adding:

The Scottish Government agreed along with the other two devolved administrations and the UK Government to support a Tobacco and Vapes Bill following a 2023 public consultation. Smoking in indoor spaces and near hospitals is already banned, but the Bill proposes extending those measures to help achieve a tobacco-free Scotland by 2034. It will also require all businesses selling nicotine and herbal smoking products to join the existing register of tobacco and nicotine vapour retailers.

Argyll and Bute Council create Youtube video on what it’s like to work as an Environmental Health Officer for Argyll and Bute Council.

The video features Cameron McAuley, Chartered Environmental Health Officer taking you through day in life on an Environmental Health Officer and the vital work of the role to protect public health.

Watch the video here.

The latest Radioactivity in Food and the Environment Report (RIFE 29) has been publishedand shows that levels and concentrations of man-made radioactivity measured in the environment during 2023 were well within international dose limits.

The annual RIFE report is a joint publication between all six agencies across the UK responsible for ensuring that doses from authorised releases of radioactivity remain within strict international limits. It brings together all results from SEPA, the Environment Agency, Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

RIFE monitors radioactivity levels in food, water and the environment, assessing any potential impact on human health. The findings confirm that radiation doses to the public are well below harmful levels and largely originate from natural sources such as cosmic rays and radon. 

Monitoring confirms that the highest dose for a member of the public in Scotland was approximately 2% of the legal limit 0.021mSv. This compares to a UK average radiation exposure from all sources of 2.7mSv – of which 84% is due to natural background sources.

Radioactivity occurs naturally in the earth’s crust and it can be found in the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. Exposure to man-made radioactivity includes medical procedures and treatments, and discharges from nuclear and non-nuclear establishments. 

• The average individual dose from medical sources was about 16% of the dose from all sources of radiation.
• Occupational exposure contributed significantly less than 1% of the dose.
• Around 0.2% of the annual dose was from man-made sources – the majority from radionuclides released during historical testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere from the 1950s and 1960.
• Exposure to radionuclides routinely discharged by industry contributing less than 0.01% to the total dose.

Wood-burning stoves, bioenergy and peat heating will now be permitted in new homes and buildings following a review of the New Build Heat Standard commissioned by ministers earlier this year.

An amendment to regulations made today permits the installation of bioenergy and peat main heating systems – and any type of secondary heating systems – in new buildings from 1 January 2025, while maintaining the prohibition on mains gas and oil boilers as a main heating system.

Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action said:

“The New Build Heat Standard is crucial to help reduce emissions from new buildings, preventing the need for retrofit in the future and ensuring a cleaner and greener Scotland.

“Heat from our homes and buildings makes up almost a fifth of Scotland’s carbon emissions so we must tackle the most polluting forms of domestic heating to reach net zero.

“We have listened to concerns from rural and island communities about resilience in times of bad weather or power outages, as well as the wider use of bioenergy and peat for other reasons. These changes address these concerns whilst retaining the spirit of the original legislation, which aims to eradicate polluting gas and oil boilers from new homes and buildings.

“I would like to thank all of those who submitted evidence and views, particularly those from rural and island communities – their input has been vital in delivering his positive outcome.”

Luke Fraser, Vice Chair of the Scottish Islands Federation said:

‘The Scottish Islands Federation is delighted that the points raised by our members and others, as part of the review of the New Build Heat Standard, have been taken into account. We believe there is a need to help sustain and support the resilience of households in rural and island communities through the use of wood burning stoves and burning of peat, and the changes to the NBHS announced today have taken this on board.

“While we are in support of the need for climate action, progress must be made in tandem with developing and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of our communities, not at their expense. This change is a positive step in that direction.’

The Scottish Government consulted on proposals for the New Build Heat Standard in 2021 and again in 2022, and also carried out a series of impact assessments which have been updated as part of the review, as required.

Under the original regulations, which came into force in April this year, wood burning stoves were only permitted in new homes and buildings for emergency heating.

Ministers introduced a temporary direction in September 2024 which reverted the regulations to the pre-April 2024 situation in relation to bioenergy and peat systems in new homes only, pending the conclusion of this review. These interim provisions remain in place until 1 January.