News

NHS Lothian confirms 16 infection cases linked to Edinburgh farm event

  • 19 May 2026

NHS Lothian has confirmed 16 cases of cryptosporidiosis linked to a lamb-feeding experience at Craigies Farm in South Queensferry. The disease can be carried by a wide range of farm animals, and can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. It can be contracted through direct contact with animals or by touching contaminated […]

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What you need to know about the hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch cruise ship

  • 19 May 2026

Following an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and colleagues across the UK, to respond and take appropriate action. This includes well established protocols around contact tracing and isolation measures where necessar Sadly, 3 foreign nationals have died in […]

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Worrying levels of hidden salt, fat and calories in many of the UK’s most popular sandwiches

  • 19 May 2026

A new report by Action on Salt & Sugar has revealed worrying levels of hidden salt, fat and calories in many of the UK’s most popular sandwiches. The research analysed 546 sandwiches sold across major supermarkets and high street chains. It found that while some businesses are producing healthier options, many sandwiches remain unnecessarily high in salt, with large differences between similar products and fillings. The findings show […]

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Hoarding Taskforce Manifesto Launched

  • 13 May 2026

Hoarding Taskforce Manifesto comms / press release- 12 May 2026 The Scottish Hoarding Taskforce Manifesto launches today during #HoardingAwarenessWeek2026 with the call for a more connected, person-centred and trauma-informed approach to supporting people in Scotland with hoarding behaviours. Studies suggest an overall prevalence of Hoarding Disorder (HD) among adults of around 2.5 – 5%  or […]

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Bernard Forteath Honoured with Prestigious Eric Foskett Award

  • 1 May 2026

We’re delighted to see REHIS Fellow and Honorary Member, Bernard Forteath, recognised with the Eric Foskett Award at the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) Congress for his outstanding services to International Environmental Health. A well-deserved honour celebrating his dedication and impact across the profession. Bernard began his career in Environmental Health as a Student […]

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208 tonnes of unsafe food stopped at UK border

  • 23 April 2026

More than 208 tonnes of unsafe food has been stopped at the UK border by Ashford Port Health Authority, preventing products unfit for consumption from entering the national food supply. Since November 2024, officers have seized and destroyed 208,563.81kg of food products deemed unsafe which is roughly equivalent to the weight of around 35 elephants. Of […]

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Environmental Standards Scotland publishes new five-year Strategy

  • 22 April 2026

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has published its new Strategy, setting out how the organisation will deliver its functions over the next five years. This marks the start of the next chapter for Scotland’s environmental scrutiny body. The publication coincides with a significant moment for ESS, as the organisation prepares to take on additional scrutiny functions […]

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Scottish Government publish implementation guidance for HFSS Promotion Restrictions

  • 22 April 2026

Guidance to support the implementation of the Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 has been published. The Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 will come into force on 1 October 2026. Building on material published in England and Wales the guidance has been developed with input from a range of stakeholders to support […]

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