UK slow to stop meat imports after foot-and-mouth threat, experts say
- 23 February 2025
MPs told belated response to foot-and-mouth cases in Europe was because of failings in post-Brexit border regime. The UK took a week to prevent meat and other animal products entering the country from Germany last month, despite German officials warning that exports could be affected by an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, according to border experts. […]
ASH Scotland is hosting a virtual learning week from 10-14th March 2025
- 23 February 2025
On the week of No Smoking Day, over 5 days, ASH Scotland will have seminars, events and Q&As – all online – exploring topics including smoking and pregnancy, tobacco industry interference and SAFE (Smoke and Aerosol Free Spaces). They will also have a bonus event hosted by the Swedish Cancer Society. Take a look at […]
Warning of fraudulent food consultants
- 23 February 2025
Food Standards Scotland has been made aware of reports concerning misleading and potentially intimidating approaches by consultants to food business operators. Recent incidents highlight instances where businesses have been pressured into paying for services under misleading pretences. For example, Falkirk Council has reported that an owner of a local food business reported that a ‘very […]
Consumer group highlights lack of trading standards staff
- 23 February 2025
An investigation by Which? a consumer watchdog has revealed inadequate staffing levels for trading standards in many areas of the United Kingdom. As part of a Freedom of Information request into capacity and performance, consumer group Which? contacted 187 trading standards services in England, Wales, and Scotland. Reponses were received by November 2024. Which? said […]
Food Standards Scotland publish shelf-life guidance
- 20 February 2025
Guidance for food businesses for the setting of product shelf-life has been published by Food Standards Scotland. The purpose of the document is to help food businesses comply with the requirements of Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 that the food safety criteria applicable throughout the shelf-life of the product can be met under reasonably foreseeable conditions of […]
Study assesses food safety challenges and opportunities with dark kitchens
- 20 February 2025
A study published in the journal Food Control reveals more needs to be done to ensure that the growth of dark kitchens is accompanied by effective food safety measures. Dark kitchens offer ready-to-eat meals for delivery or takeout through online platforms, including social media, mobile applications, restaurant websites or via phone/email. The term ‘dark’ in dark kitchens […]
REHIS are at ScotHot 2025
- 19 February 2025
New guidance published on management of hepatitis A infection
- 10 February 2025
Public Health Scotland (PHS) have published guidance on the public health management of hepatitis A infection. It is available on the PHS website and can be accessed using this link: Guidance for the public health management of hepatitis A It was produced collaboratively by a multi-disciplinary Guidance Development Group who used Health protection guidance: method […]
REHIS News – January 2025
- 3 February 2025
Message from REHIS President Alan Morrison Dear REHIS members I am delighted to be taking up the role of REHIS President, in the Institutes 150th year and thank you for your continued support to our professional Institute. It seems a long time ago since I embarked on my environmental health career with Moray District Council […]
National E. coli outbreak associated with pre-packed sandwiches
- 23 January 2025
According to a study published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection, links the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O145:H28 in the UK in May-June 2024 to pre-packed sandwiches. In May 2024, public health agencies and laboratories identified an increase in stool specimens submissions and patients testing positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified serotype […]
PHS health protection guidance: method for guidance development published
- 22 January 2025
Public Health Scotland (PHS) have published Health protection guidance: method for guidance development. This method sets out how health protection guidance should be developed in Scotland. It combines and updates the six previous method documents grouped under the SHPN framework for health protection guidance development. PHS have brought together all guidance for health protection within this […]
Reforming Energy Performance Certificates
- 21 January 2025
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are to be revised and updated to give consumers a clearer picture of their home’s energy performance and to link better with the drive to cut emissions from homes and buildings. Changes proposed include the introduction of a new rating system which will give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency […]
