REHIS News – February 2026
- 20 February 2026
REHIS launches Manifesto highlighting challenges facing Environmental Health The Institute has launched its Manifesto, setting out four key challenges to protect and improve Environmental Health and the communities we serve across Scotland. We’re keen to work with politicians from all parties and key stakeholders to strengthen public health now and for the future. We ask […]
Consultation on extending smoke and vape-free spaces in England
- 20 February 2026
The UK Government are seeking views on proposals to extend smoke-free laws to certain outdoor public places and introduce heated tobacco-free and vape-free restrictions. Parliament is currently considering the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The bill will give the government new powers to make regulations on tobacco and vapes. The UK Government plan to use these powers […]
Tayto fined £153,000 for Salmonella contamination in pork scratchings
- 19 February 2026
A food company that produces pork scratchings has been fined after a Salmonella outbreak was linked to their products. Tayto Group Limited, one of the largest crisp and snack manufacturers in the UK, produce “Mr Porky” pork scratchings at their site on Wingates Industrial Estate in Westhoughton. They were fined £153,000 at a Bolton Crown […]
UKHSA reports dozens of potential infant formula-related illnesses
- 19 February 2026
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating more than 35 reports of illness connected to recent infant formula recalls. UKHSA and other agencies have received 36 clinical notifications where children who have consumed recalled batches have symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning. Multi-country recalls of formula products from Nestlé, Lactalis, Danone and others are […]
Soup Poster Stirring Up Interest in Schools
- 19 February 2026
Scotland’s food and drink sector is the largest manufacturing industry in the country, yet the sheer variety of career paths it offers can often remain a mystery to those still in the classroom. To bridge this gap, the Scotland Food & Drink (SF&D) Partnership’s Skills Advisory Group has launched an innovative new resource designed to […]
First National Good Food Nation Plan published
- 19 February 2026
On 17 December the Scottish Government published its First National Good Food Nation Plan, as required under the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. The Plan brings together a national vision, six overarching Outcomes, a new monitoring framework and the full set of policies Ministers intend to pursue. Together, these elements are designed to make food […]
Glasgow City Council launches free, unlimited public transport pilot
- 19 February 2026
On Monday 9 February, Glasgow Council rolled out complementary ZoneCards for 500 people taking part in a seven week trial scheme. Participants were selected through community and support organisations, and based on the likelihood they would face obstacles, including being unable to afford tickets, without assistance. irst Bus, Stagecoach, the Subway, and ScotRail routes throughout […]
Hundreds of illegal waste tips operating in England
- 19 February 2026
Hundreds of illegal dumps are operating across England, including at least 11 so-called “super sites” containing tens of thousands of tonnes of rubbish, a BBC investigation has found. More than 700 illegal tips were shut down in 2024/25, but data released by the Environment Agency has revealed some 517 dumps were still active at the […]
ASH Scotland invites Scots to share quit smoking success stories as 20th anniversary of smoke-free law approaches
- 19 February 2026
Ahead of the 20th anniversary of Scotland’s smoke-free legislation coming into force on 26 March 2026, Scots who quit smoking at the time are being encouraged by ASH Scotland to share their stories. The campaigning health charity is urging people who stopped using tobacco to share their experiences about why the ban on smoking in enclosed […]
Wet wipes containing plastic to be banned
- 18 February 2026
The sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in Scotland will be banned from 11 August 2027 under regulations published. Wet wipes containing plastic are a common and persistent source of marine litter and can break down into microplastics over time, harming the natural environment. The move is part of wider action to protect […]
REHIS Launches Manifesto
- 3 February 2026
REHIS launches Manifesto highlighting challenges facing Environmental Health The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) has launched its Manifesto, setting out four key challenges to be addressed to protect and improve Environmental Health and the communities it serves across Scotland. REHIS stands ready to work with politicians from all parties and key stakeholders to […]
Local Air Quality Dashboard Launch
- 2 February 2026
Defra, Greater London Authority, and the Devolved Governments have launched a new interactive dashboard designed to make local air quality information more accessible to the public. For the first time, data managed and collected by local authorities, including diffusion tube data published in annual reports, is being brought together in one central location on UK-AIR. […]
