This Week at theEHP: 21 November – 25 November

by | Nov 25, 2011 | This Week at theEHP |

This Week at theEHP: 21 November – 25 November

Welcome to This Week at theEHP, a summary of the articles that appeared on the site over the previous week.

This week at theEHP a food safety myth gets busted, a new housing strategy is released, a RPT Decision is reported as well as more prosecutions.

 
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Health Protection Scotland is advising parents to be aware of the symptoms of botulism, which include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, headaches and muscle weakness. This is in response to recent concerns about cases of suspected botulism in 2 children from the same family in Scotland. This article has recently been updated after a third from the family in Forth Valley was admitted to hospital with suspected botulism.  The suspected source of infection for this new case remains the jar of Loyd Grossman korma sauce which was used by the family.

On 10th November we reported on a prosecution by Newham Council where a letting company that was fined £2,000 and ordered to repay about £6,500 in rent following a compensation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The article has now been updated with further information provided by Newham Council. You will find the update at the end of the article.

Support theEHP. We provide a wide variety of news and content to our users for free. You can support us by using the links on our site to purchase your products and services for your business and everyday needs. We appreciate your support.

Today is your last chance to take advantage of Amazon’s Black Friday Lightening Deals and get 10% off any order over £20 at Blackwell’s Bookshop Online when you use code BLACK10NOV. These offers end today.

And finally, advertise your jobs on theEHP. Contact us for more details.

Looking forward to seeing you at theEHP.

Food Safety

Food Safety: Busted – the biggest food safety urban myth
The most common myth ever used, “the 5 (4 or 3) second rule”. Have you ever dropped food on the floor and shouted “five second rule”, picked it up, blow on it and stuck it in your mouth? By Jill Taylor

Food Safety: £10,000 fine for Southend restaurant ‘Charlie Choy’s’
Unsatisfactory food hygiene practices landed a Southend restaurant with £11, 562.50 in fines and court costs – even after the premises had closed.

Food Safety: FSA updates answers on cross-contamination control
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the 2nd edition of the Q&A on its guidance document ‘E.coli O157: control of cross-contamination’.

Food Safety: Pizzeria fined £1,000 for Food Safety Offences
The former owner of a Belfast pizzeria has been fined a total of £1,400 for a string of food hygiene offences.

Food Safety: Food business operator banned for life
The owner of a pizza shop who served up a pizza with mouse droppings has been banned from running a food business by a judge at Plymouth Crown Court.

Health & Safety

Health & Safety: HSE prosecutions in brief 21 November – 25 November
Welcome to HSE prosecutions in brief. An overview of this weeks prosecutions by the HSE.

Health & Safety: Reducing the risk of carbon monoxide over winter
During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is advising people to have their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances – such as boilers, heaters and cookers – checked by an appropriately registered engineer before the winter sets in.

Housing

Housing: New housing strategy – Laying the Foundations
A new strategy to tackle the housing shortage, boost the economy, create jobs and give people the opportunity to get on the housing ladder has been announced by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.

Housing: Couple fined £13,000 for renting unsafe property
A married couple who own the high profile letting agent ‘Ultimate Connexions’ were brought before Luton Magistrates Court on 15 November and pleaded guilty to running an unsafe and over crowded House in Multiple Occupation

Housing: Landlord fined £35,000 for ‘inhumane’ living conditions
Faisal Khan failed to attend Luton Magistrates Court on 21 November where he was fined a record £35,000 for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Housing: NLA remind landlords to prepare for the winter months
The National Landlords Association (NLA) is reminding landlords to ensure their properties and tenants are prepared for the winter months.

Housing: Letting company hit with £12,000 bill for unlicensed property (Updated 19-11-11)
A letting company has been fined £2000, ordered to repay about £6500 in rent – which they illegally collected – and charged with £4000 in costs. (Photo Gallery Below)

Public Health

Public Health: HPA raise awareness on the symptoms of botulism (Updated 25-11-11)
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of 2 cases of suspected botulism in children in Scotland. These cases have not yet been confirmed microbiologically but the symptoms point towards it being botulism.

 

theEHP Store

Oxfam Online Shop – 20% off all recycled and fair trade wrapping paper
As of the 24th November to 30th November Oxfam are excited to offer: Get 20% off our recycled and Fair Trade wrap and crackers for 1 week only!

Their favourites are the “Make your own Christmas crackers” where you can get creative and add your own gifts to each cracker for a personal touch!

Graphic novel goes on sale for Shelter
Over 50 creators have worked in collaboration to produce Nelson, a graphic novel raising money for Shelter. Use code BLACK10NOV to get 10% off any order over £20 at Blackwell’s Bookshop Online. OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT 25TH NOVEMBER 2011.

theEHP Gift Guides

Amazon Deals

RPT Decisions

RPT Decision: Rent Repayment Order (LON/00BB/HMA/2011/0008)
Respondent: Matthew Soares
Applicants: The Mayor & Burgesses of the London Borough of Newham
Subject Property: 25 Worcester Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JX

Respondent: Abul Kashim
Applicants: The Mayor & Burgesses of the London Borough of Newham
Subject Property: 27 Worcester Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JX/

These cases are linked and were dealt with by the same Tribunal. They are Applications for a Rent Repayment Order made by London Borough of Newham for 2 properties.

The London Panel dismissed one of the applications and awarded £6932.60 in the other.

Quick Looks

Safety Media: Fire Containment and Extinguishers – Toolbox Talk
This DVD looks at how to contain fires. It also takes a detailed look at the various extinguishers available and their correct use.

Safety Media: Fire Risk Assessment DVD
This Safety DVD will help the viewer to understand how to correctly and effectively carry out documented Fire Risk Assessments in the workplace.

Safety Media: Fire Safety Essentials DVD
This Safety DVD provides the viewer with in-depth information regarding the principles of fire safety awareness in any workplace. This DVD is suitable for both managers and employees.

All of Safety Media’s DVDs, Training CDs and E-Learning courses are CPD certified (more details here). Safety Media currently have a BUY 2 GET 1 FREE! special offer (full details here).

Jobs

Food Safety

Jobs: Technical Manager (Food Safety) – full time
STS are an established, leading food safety and health & safety consultancy and training provider (www.sts-solutions.com)

STS have an exciting opportunity for an exceptional individual to join their team in this challenging and varied role.