Report Identifies Future Food Technologies for UK Plates by 2035

Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland have released a report identifying innovative food technologies expected to reach the UK market by 2035. The report outlines potential food safety and regulatory needs arising from these emerging innovations, aiming to guide future regulation and industry planning.

Food Standards Scotland Allergen Information Consultation

Food Standards Scotland has launched a 12-week public consultation on how allergen and ingredient information is provided by businesses in the non-prepacked sector, such as restaurants and takeaways. The consultation seeks views on strengthening written allergen information and improving ingredient transparency for consumers in Scotland.

Food Standards Scotland Publishes 2026-2031 Strategy

Food Standards Scotland has published its five-year strategy for 2026-2031, outlining its approach to protecting public health, promoting healthier diets, and maintaining confidence in Scotland's food system. The strategy focuses on three priorities: public health and consumer protection, evolving the regulatory landscape, and providing an effective public service.

Sausage firm fined for polluting North Lanarkshire burn

Devro (Scotland) Limited has been fined £48,000 plus a £3,600 victim surcharge for discharging untreated industrial effluent into the Bothlin Burn, harming the local environment. The company pled guilty to carrying out a controlled activity without authorization from SEPA, following an investigation into pollution complaints.

SEPA Investigates Ongoing Oil Pollution in River Dochart

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continues to investigate an ongoing diesel pollution incident in the River Dochart near Killin. SEPA is overseeing containment efforts by specialist contractors and analyzing water and ecology samples to determine the full environmental impact. The agency is working with Police Scotland to gather evidence for potential enforcement action.

SEPA: Fish Barrier Removal Restores River Habitat

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has completed the removal of a redundant weir on the Halter Burn, restoring 1.6km of upstream river habitat. This project, funded by SEPA's Water Environment Fund, aims to boost populations of endangered fish species and enhance river resilience.

Rosyth River Habitat Restoration Funding Secured

SEPA and Fife Council have committed a total of £320,000 to the Rosyth River Restoration project, funding the next three phases of design work for the Whinny and Brankholm Burns. The project aims to restore degraded freshwater habitats to benefit local ecology and community wellbeing.

Scotland SEPA Flooding Outlook - Storm Chandra

SEPA has issued a flooding outlook for Monday, January 26, 2026, due to Storm Chandra. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, snow, and high winds to Scotland, potentially causing surface water flooding, travel disruption, and minor impacts to low-lying areas.

SCOAF Transition to Armed Forces Commissioner

The UK's Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces (SCOAF) will transition to the Armed Forces Commissioner (AFC) in 2026. This expansion will broaden its remit to include welfare and family support, aiming to resolve issues earlier and provide a stronger voice for service personnel and their families.

SCOAF Symposium Reviews Service Complaints and Future

The UK's Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces (SCOAF) held its 2025 Symposium to review the Service Complaints system and its own performance in 2024. Discussions focused on the future evolution of the system, particularly in light of the forthcoming Armed Forces Commissioner.