Chamber and committees

Staffing at railway stations is an operational matter for ScotRail. I have been informed that Troon Station ticket office has recently closed on a number of occasions due to staff shortages. The vacancies have now been filled and it is expected that the new staff will take up positions in February and March.

I also spoke with ScotRail management at the official opening of the award-winning refurbished and rebuilt Troon station on 13 November 2024. They confirmed that the new Changing Places facilities at the station would remain open even if the ticket office is closed during operational hours.

Additionally, ScotRail’s passenger assistance service is designed to help those who need support when traveling on the ScotRail network. Our vision is for all older and disabled individuals to travel with the same freedom, choice, dignity, and opportunity as other citizens.

While the Scottish Government remains committed to its vision for an integrated and community-based hearing service in Scotland, re-phasing of funding has meant that not all the challenges we are facing will be addressed in a single budget and therefore there is no community hearing service in operation at this time.

While our response to the Independent Review of Audiology is implemented, we will continue to work with the NHS, Third Sector and private providers to identify and cost an appropriate model of community care for any future service reform, and ensure that the voices of those with lived experience inform this work.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is a Competent Authority (CA) as defined in food law for the delivery of Official Controls (OCs) for all approved meat and poultry plants. FSS have a daily presence of Official Veterinarians (OVs) and Meat Hygiene Inspectors (MHIs) who operate in these plants to oversee animal health and welfare and protection of public health. They also undertake a series of audits, unannounced inspections, and where required enforcement actions to ensure compliance with food law.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) ensures consumers have access to accurate, science-based information on food safety. FSS focusses on digital engagement, stakeholder partnerships, and incident response to maintain public awareness. FSS continues to fulfil its statutory duty to protect public health by prioritising incident response, stakeholder collaboration and targeted digital engagement.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has an established Risk Analysis process in place to assess, manage and communicate evidence-based advice on food safety risks. It is a joint process with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to ensure the UK maintains high standards of food and feed safety.

The aim of the risk analysis process is to provide confidence that FSS and FSA advice delivers public health protection; is informed by science and evidence; considers consumers’ other interests in relation to food; and is independent. The process follows globally recognised frameworks for risk analysis. It is open and transparent and provides for a four nations approach.

When an issue is identified a risk assessment is conducted to estimate the risk to human and/or animal health. This may be done in consultation with external experts from independent Scientific Advisory Committees and Joint Expert Groups. Risk assessments will generally be conducted on a four-nation basis, with capacity for nation-specific risk assessments where required. Risk managers then consider which approaches could be implemented to manage and control the risk. Interested parties are consulted and other factors are considered alongside food safety, such as animal welfare, environment, economic impact, and any nation-specific factors that are relevant. The risk management advice can be used to inform ministerial decisions on changes to legislation, or to provide guidance on issues affecting businesses and consumers.

In developing policy and introducing new regulations and guidance, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) places an emphasis on engaging with stakeholders, in particular small businesses. In gathering evidence for policy changes, FSS follows the Scottish Government Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) process which requires proposals to be discussed with a selection of businesses. FSS also provides a variety of resources free of charge on its website including guidance and online training from advice to new business start-ups to technical matters such as providing allergen information to consumers and how to apply for a regulated product authorisation.

Food Standards Scotland work in partnership with local authorities, other law enforcement agencies, industry and stakeholders at various strategic and tactical fora, including:

• Food Crime Strategic Assessment
• Tactical Tasking Coordinating Group (TTCG)
• Operational Tactical Assessment
• Horizon Scanning
• Engagement with Industry, local authorities and law enforcement partners
• Investigations
• Disruption activity
• Intelligence development and sharing
• Media awareness
• Food Crime Hotline
• Food Crime Risk Profiling Tool
• Inspections and regulatory controls
• Multi Agency Tasking and Delivery Board
• Scottish Multi Agency Strategic Threat Assessment
• Partners Intelligence Forum
• Food Crime Global Alliance
• European Food Fraud Network

As part of its competent authority role Food Standards Scotland monitors and enforces regulations in marine waters, slaughterhouses, standalone cutting plants, game handling establishments, feed, and wine business, throughout the length and breadth of Scotland, this includes on the Islands and all rural areas where a business is located.

Food Standards Scotland has a range of enforcement actions detailed in food law it can use to address noncompliance. They also have enforcement polices for each sector they regulate promoting advice and best practice with a view to a graduated approach.

During the preparation, evaluation and revision of food law (including any changes to labelling requirements), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) carries out open and transparent public consultation, directly or through representative bodies. FSS does this by reaching out to business using their Stakeholder Management System and social media. FSS also engages with businesses during the development of guidance documents and provides other tools such as online allergy training.

However, whilst FSS has responsibility for the policies surrounding food composition, labelling and hygiene, local authorities are primarily responsible for the enforcement of the relevant legislation at local level. FSS encourages businesses to work with their local authority to improve compliance.