Latest news with #foodBusinesses
Trade Arabia
2 days ago
- Health
- Trade Arabia
WHO highlights the vital role of scientists in ensuring food safety
Scientists contribute to understanding the risks to human health from known, emerging and anticipated food contaminants in many ways and also conduct rigorous research to generate reliable evidence which helps policy-makers, food businesses and consumers make informed and safe decisions, according to World Health Organisation (WHO). WHO highlighted the role of scientific research and innovation in ensuring food safety at an event to mark World Food Safety Day 2025. The burden of foodborne diseases is significant yet largely preventable. Foodborne diseases affect individuals across all age groups, but particularly children under 5 and the vulnerable, it stated. The Eastern Mediterranean Region is at a critical point in efforts to ensure that all individuals have access to safe and nutritious food supplies. The situation is made even more urgent by fast-evolving climate change and environmental pollution, the surge in urbanization, population growth and shifts in lifestyle and consumption patterns. These factors are increasing human exposure to harmful chemical compounds, antimicrobial residues and drug-resistant foodborne pathogens. The health implications and associated economic costs of foodborne diseases are substantial. They include expenses related to medical treatment, child development, lost productivity, export restrictions and market loss. The World Health Assembly – WHA73.5 (2020) "Strengthening efforts on food safety" – has mandated WHO to update estimates of the global foodborne disease burden. By offering detailed insights into the incidence, mortality and disease burden expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and providing a comprehensive overview of the impact of these foodborne diseases, WHO plays a crucial role in guiding public health strategies and ensuring safer food practices worldwide. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, improving food safety requires robust commitment to scientific research. By strategically harnessing scientific advances and actively cultivating regional and international collaborations, the Region can enhance food safety and quality, help protect public health and drive economic sustainability forward.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Edinburgh outdoor breakfast plans spark noise concerns
Edinburgh's heritage watchdog has raised concerns after city councillors approved plans for food businesses to serve customers outdoors from 07: businesses can only serve customers at outdoor tables and chairs from 09:00 until 21: a new year-long trial could see outdoor eating and drinking areas open an hour-and-a-half earlier from the start of heritage watchdog the Cockburn Association said the new opening times must be policed by council officials to prevent early morning noise for nearby residents. The rules for the Grassmarket, where businesses can only use outdoor furniture from midday until 21:00, will remain the same. Tony Crolla, chairman of Vittoria Group - which includes Vittoria, Divino, Bertie's and a Taste of Italy - was behind the campaign for the longer operating successfully argued that visitors to the city should be able to sit outside for breakfast when they paid a tourist tax - which starts in summer council report said: "This will allow businesses with permits more flexibility in terms of their operating hours and has the potential to increase footfall and boost the local economy in both the city and town centres." But Terry Levinthal, director of the Cockburn Association, told BBC Scotland News that he had concerns around how the trial would be warned that the noise impact on nearby homes would need to be closely said he wanted the council to add conditions to its licensing which would protect people living in densely populated areas of the Levinthal also raised issue with the "steady creep of commercialisation of public space" which could eventually put people off living in the city centre."Very frequently the people who are making these decisions don't have skin in the game when it comes to that direct impact on residential amenity," he Jenkinson, City of Edinburgh Council's transport and environment convener, said: "This is an example of us listening, acting to support our business community while maintaining robust management."We're also clear that accessibility for pedestrians is a priority, with strict conditions to maintain appropriate widths for pedestrian access."We'll continually monitor the scheme and address any concerns regarding noise, compliance or any other issues with businesses and other key stakeholders as appropriate."
