Latest news with #Dhoot
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Veterinarians issue warning after making alarming discoveries inside stray animals: 'Extremely harmful'
Though cows — revered in Hinduism for associations with Mother Earth and nourishment — are sacred to many people in India, local officials are concerned that human trash is causing harm to free-roaming bovines and other stray animals that eat garbage while foraging for food. Speaking with Central India's The Hitavada, city veterinarians Vinod Dhoot and Gauri Fiske, of Nagpur, raised the alarm about health risks to animals that eat improperly dumped food and garbage. Their concerns focused on plastics in the trash that stray animals consume alongside food waste. The doctors also noted that some foods are inappropriate for animals. "People often throw leftover food outside in single-use plastic bags," Dhoot told the news outlet. "Stray animals end up eating both the food and the plastic. Leftovers like chapatis and rice with high carbohydrates, when consumed in large quantities by dogs or cows, lead to acidic indigestion. In milk-producing animals, this also affects their milk production." The doctors noted that plastics can build up in cow stomachs over time. "Polythene remains in the rumen for a long time, often until the animal dies," Dhoot explained. Garbage can also contain objects that cause animals immediate injuries and infections. "Sometimes, while eating waste, they accidentally swallow sharp objects like needles, nails, or screws," Dhoot said. In the report, Fiske highlighted the risks of sanitary products, saying, "Stray dogs often come in contact with these, and it is extremely harmful for them." Fiske blamed the problems on increased waste in the city, poor waste management and regulation of stray animals, and a lack of citizen responsibility, among other factors. The problem of stray animals eating trash isn't limited to Nagpur — and it's connected to broader issues with waste plastics that are a concern for human health, as well. In an article titled "Inside India's plastic cows: How sacred animals are left to line their stomachs with polythene," The Independent documented an estimated 60,000 cows that roam Delhi, with some consuming around 110 pounds of plastic. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Yet it's not just stray animals that are troubled by plastic trash. According to the United Nations, people produce about 507 million tons of plastic annually, with less than 10% of this getting recycled and 22% becoming litter. Plastic doesn't fully degrade in the environment (at least not on a meaningful time scale), as it breaks into microplastics that are now found even in the remotest parts of the planet. Plastic production and disposal also contribute to heat-trapping pollution that warms the planet. Though risks to human health are still being researched, plastics are ingested by people as well as by animals. They've been found in our blood and various parts of our bodies. In The Hitavada report, the Nagpur vets advocated for greater local awareness of the effects of litter and waste. They argued that people can dispose of trash more responsibly and can reduce food waste while also reporting affected animals to officials or organizations that care for strays. To counter the negative effects of plastic waste worldwide, individuals can find ways to use less plastic and support international efforts such as the U.N.-led work on a global plastics treaty. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UK food, drink export revenues rose in Q1 but volumes flat
UK food and drink exports rose in value in the first quarter but volumes were flat amid a "continued struggle" to return to pre-pandemic levels. That was the view of the UK's Food and Drink Federation (FDF) as the industry trade body revealed shipments of food and beverages climbed 6.3% to £6bn ($8.1bn) in the opening three months of the year. However, with volumes relatively flat from the year-earlier quarter, the FDF highlighted in its latest Trade Snapshot report that food exports from the UK are 20.4% lower than they were in 2020, while non-alcoholic beverages are down 9.2%. 'Significant growth is needed to return to pre-pandemic levels' in the long term, the FDF said. Export volumes to the EU, the UK's largest trade partner, declined by 3.7% for food and 1.7% for non-alcoholic drinks compared to the first quarter of 2024. An agreement between the UK and EU in May to simplify sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls - yet to be rubber stamped and finalised - could increase UK exports to the bloc by 22.5%, though not until 2027 at the earliest, the industry body said. Balwinder Dhoot, the director of industry growth and sustainability at the FDF, said the SPS talks are a 'positive step towards reversing a concerning decline in exports from the UK' but added that a deal is "far from a silver bullet'. 'It is vital that through these negotiations the UK secures the ability to influence EU regulatory decisions that will impact British businesses,' Dhoot said. Away from the EU, the FDF highlighted the potential "positive impact" for the UK's food and drink producers from recent trade deals with India and the US. The value of UK food and beverages exports to non-EU countries rose by 10.5% in the first three months of 2025 as "food producers take advantage of improved access to growing global markets", according to the FDF. For instance, the FDF said that since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) came into effect in December, UK exports of soft drinks to Malaysia have increased by 103% and sweets by 48%. Meanwhile, the trade body said the free-trade agreement with India is likely to benefit UK exporters of soft drinks, biscuits and chocolate in particular. "While there are encouraging signs of an improved global trade outlook ahead, FDF warns that there's more work to be done. It's vital that government continues to build closer trade relationships with trade partners, near and far, and prioritises British competitiveness in ongoing negotiations," it said. UK food and drinks exports to the US increased 23.4% in the first quarter, which the FDF said was probably in anticipation of US tariffs, before an agreement was struck between the two governments in May. However, the FDF added that negotiating the removal of the new 10% tariff should be a priority. Dhoot added: 'This new data demonstrates that there are also plenty of opportunities for UK food and drink beyond the EU, meaning government should keep its foot on the gas when it comes to improving the UK's trade relationships across other global markets. "Removing trade barriers and helping more businesses expand into new markets abroad presents a crucial growth opportunity, while diversifying our import markets is vital to protecting the UK's food security." "UK food, drink export revenues rose in Q1 but volumes flat " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UK food, drink export revenues rose in Q1 but volumes flat
UK food and drink exports rose in value in the first quarter but volumes were flat amid a "continued struggle" to return to pre-pandemic levels. That was the view of the UK's Food and Drink Federation (FDF) as the industry trade body revealed shipments of food and beverages climbed 6.3% to £6bn ($8.1bn) in the opening three months of the year. However, with volumes relatively flat from the year-earlier quarter, the FDF highlighted in its latest Trade Snapshot report that food exports from the UK are 20.4% lower than they were in 2020, while non-alcoholic beverages are down 9.2%. 'Significant growth is needed to return to pre-pandemic levels' in the long term, the FDF said. Export volumes to the EU, the UK's largest trade partner, declined by 3.7% for food and 1.7% for non-alcoholic drinks compared to the first quarter of 2024. An agreement between the UK and EU in May to simplify sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls - yet to be rubber stamped and finalised - could increase UK exports to the bloc by 22.5%, though not until 2027 at the earliest, the industry body said. Balwinder Dhoot, the director of industry growth and sustainability at the FDF, said the SPS talks are a 'positive step towards reversing a concerning decline in exports from the UK' but added that a deal is "far from a silver bullet'. 'It is vital that through these negotiations the UK secures the ability to influence EU regulatory decisions that will impact British businesses,' Dhoot said. Away from the EU, the FDF highlighted the potential "positive impact" for the UK's food and drink producers from recent trade deals with India and the US. The value of UK food and beverages exports to non-EU countries rose by 10.5% in the first three months of 2025 as "food producers take advantage of improved access to growing global markets", according to the FDF. For instance, the FDF said that since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) came into effect in December, UK exports of soft drinks to Malaysia have increased by 103% and sweets by 48%. Meanwhile, the trade body said the free-trade agreement with India is likely to benefit UK exporters of soft drinks, biscuits and chocolate in particular. "While there are encouraging signs of an improved global trade outlook ahead, FDF warns that there's more work to be done. It's vital that government continues to build closer trade relationships with trade partners, near and far, and prioritises British competitiveness in ongoing negotiations," it said. UK food and drinks exports to the US increased 23.4% in the first quarter, which the FDF said was probably in anticipation of US tariffs, before an agreement was struck between the two governments in May. However, the FDF added that negotiating the removal of the new 10% tariff should be a priority. Dhoot added: 'This new data demonstrates that there are also plenty of opportunities for UK food and drink beyond the EU, meaning government should keep its foot on the gas when it comes to improving the UK's trade relationships across other global markets. "Removing trade barriers and helping more businesses expand into new markets abroad presents a crucial growth opportunity, while diversifying our import markets is vital to protecting the UK's food security." "UK food, drink export revenues rose in Q1 but volumes flat " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Food prices soar to record levels as officials warn of lasting impact: 'This month isn't likely to be a flash in the pan'
Food prices in the United Kingdom have climbed to their highest inflation rate in a year, squeezing household budgets and adding strain to businesses, reported the Daily Record. According to the Office for National Statistics, food and nonalcoholic drink inflation rose to 3.3% in January, up from 2% in December — the sharpest annual increase since March 2024. Essentials like butter, olive oil, and chocolate have seen particularly steep price hikes, raising concerns that costs may continue rising in the months ahead. The latest ONS data showed that while the prices for some foods, such as pasta and sugar, have dropped, many everyday staples are becoming more expensive. A key reason for this is higher agricultural costs. A global cocoa shortage, caused by a 13% drop in production in 2024, has led to the worst supply crisis in 60 years, pushing up chocolate prices. Meanwhile, butter prices have risen for four consecutive months, partly due to poor weather affecting UK dairy farms. The overheating of our planet is putting a strain on agriculture, causing the cost of groceries to soar and disrupting ecosystems and food chains. For many families, rising food prices mean adjusting shopping habits, cutting back on certain items, or stretching budgets further. Households with lower incomes, which already spend a larger share of earnings on food, are feeling the impact the most. Businesses are also under pressure. Higher energy costs, raw material shortages, and upcoming increases in labor costs — such as the rise in National Insurance Employer Contributions and the National Minimum Wage in April — are likely to push prices up even more. "Rising energy and water bills as well as higher commodity prices, like dairy and cocoa, are all having an impact on production costs," says Balwinder Dhoot, director of industry growth at the Food and Drink Federation. "Unfortunately, this month isn't likely to be a flash in the pan for rising food and drink prices." Dhoot added: "We urge government to work with industry to simplify regulation and bring business costs down to help protect consumers from rising prices." While officials have acknowledged the issue, no major policy changes have been announced yet. For now, consumers may find it helpful to buy seasonal and locally sourced produce when possible, plan meals carefully to reduce food waste, and explore lower-cost alternatives to higher-priced staples. While food prices are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future, it is hoped that both policymakers and industry leaders are working to find solutions that support consumers and businesses alike. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
