Food Standards Scotland

For National Picnic Week, we’re highlighting how to keep your picnic safe as well as tasty.

Before you head off, follow our simple food safety tips so you can enjoy your al fresco feast without a hitch.

Find more tips on our website: https://bit.ly/41STvVf

Are you the scientific leader who can help shape Scotland’s food safety future?

Applications are invited from suitably qualified, accomplished scientists for this 2-5 year secondment opportunity as Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for Food Standards Scotland (FSS).

Read the full job description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4vUxfXV

A new survey of more than 1,000 adults in Scotland highlights how people are eating out of home and what influences their choices.

Key findings show:

• People eat out of home around 7 times a week on average.
• Supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops are the most common places for buying food on the go, including meal deals.
• Food eaten out of home accounts for 21 percent of daily calorie intake.
• A small number of foods such as sandwiches, pizza and chips make up most of this intake.
• Taste and convenience are key drivers, while cost can be a barrier.

Read the full report at: https://bit.ly/4vOjidX

New research has revealed that consumers in Scotland are taking risks with food safety at home – with nearly one in three (31%) admitting they eat beef burgers that are pink or have pink juices at least occasionally.

The findings, from the Food and You 2 Wave 11 survey, highlight a range of potentially dangerous habits as barbecue season gets underway.

Find out more on our website at: https://bit.ly/4oxScVW

New evidence highlights how the out of home food environment is shaping diets in Scotland.

Key findings from our ‘What’s behind our choices? Understanding food purchases and behaviours in the out of home environment in Scotland’ report show:

• Eating out of home is now part of everyday life, driven by convenience and availability.
• Takeaway outlets have increased, particularly in more deprived areas.
• Many available options are high in calories, fat, salt and sugar, with fewer healthier choices.
• Snacking is the most common way people eat out of home, but many snacks are high in calories.
• Online ordering and promotions are making it easier to access less healthy food.

Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4a3Gm05

Our newly published research helps explain how life stage, underlying health conditions and some medicines can increase the risk of food poisoning. You can read the three reports on our website.

Examining vulnerability to foodborne illness: A comprehensive review of clinically vulnerable groups: https://bit.ly/3RPTr6Z
Consumer research regarding people at higher risk of food poisoning: https://bit.ly/3SwbgYM
SEFARI fellowship: the older population and foodborne illness: https://bit.ly/4vCDv6i

Catherine Topley has been appointed as new Chief Executive of FSS.

Catherine will take up post in July, succeeding Geoff Ogle, who retires after 11 years leading Scotland’s food regulator since its establishment in 2015.

Catherine is an accomplished public sector leader with significant experience in transformational change, corporate strategy and delivering public value.

She currently serves as Chief Executive of the Student Awards Agency Scotland, and has previously held senior leadership roles in the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish Prison Service.

Catherine joins FSS shortly after the launch of its new five year strategy which delivers a food system that is safe, authentic and healthier.

Her broader career spans financial services, manufacturing, engineering and justice, combining commercial insight with a strong public service ethos. She has also served as a trustee of Sight Scotland and Veterans Scotland, supporting inclusive services and communities.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4orDyQn

Simple food safety steps can help prevent food poisoning, so everyone can enjoy the game worry free.

Visit our website for guidance on cleaning, chilling, cooking and avoiding cross-contamination at: https://bit.ly/4d3eNpm

Buttermilk Confections is recalling Honeycomb Blast Choc Bar because of undeclared milk.

Access the full alert: https://bit.ly/4xvgxA7

We’ve published updated information on who’s more at risk from food poisoning.
Certain health conditions, prescribed medicines and life stages can increase the chance of becoming seriously unwell.
Find out more and find simple food safety guidance on our website: https://bit.ly/4v3MSMP