The Human Imprint

Oxford University kitchens do not meet acceptable standards

The Telegraph reports that Oxford University student kitchens have failed to pass safety inspections 134 times in one year. Environmental health officers found they "harboured" filthy surfaces, mould and rats. Issues included:

• At New College a mouse was found eating food from a wheelie bin and dirty work tops were identified.

• Rats were discovered in the yard outside kitchens at Mansfield and Pembroke Colleges.

• At Worcester College part of the ceiling had collapsed in the area where plates are washed. Staff continued to carry on working.

• Balliol College found 18 breaches of safety rules were identified at Balliol College.

Click on the link to read the full article.

Swine flu appears to be spreading more rapidly in UK

The Guardian reports that swine flu is spreading more rapidly in Britain than anywhere else in the European Union. This is according to the latest figures on the outbreak.

The article states that "European health officials confirmed on 29th May that 456 people had caught the H1N1 virus across 21 EU member states, with almost half of those infected living in the UK. The virus appears to be spreading more quickly from person to person in Britain than elsewhere, raising questions over public health measures to contain it. Follow the link to read the full article.

Drought has impact on Australian food production

This is the 700th post on this blog since it began on the 9th June 2007!

Ausfoodnews reports that whilst Australian crop production increased in 2007-08 in comparison to the previous year, production levels remains at among the lowest in five years. According to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the horticultural sector had mixed results, the numbers of livestock fell and as was reported back in March on this blog there was a near complete suspension of rice production. 

The numbers of sheep and lamb fell in 07/08 to 76.9 million, the lowest level recorded since 1920 with meat cattle numbers decreased slightly, and the dairy herd reducing by 4.7% . Pig numbers have also reduced to their lowest level since 1982.

Misery continues with Brazilian floods

Brazilian floods first came into the news in April 2008. Recent flooding has lead to the displacement of almost 408,000 people who still cannot return to their homes. BBC News reports that the bad weather is forecast to persist for another fortnight and that the government has released more than $435m (£273m) in aid for victims of the flooding in the north and north-east of Brazil.  Forty-nine people are said to have died across 12 states. The cost of the devastation is set to run into millions of dollars and around 400,000 children are missing school. Food supplies are scarce in some regions. Follow the link to find out more. 

Cholera in Zimbabwe could exceed 100,000 cases

BBC News reports that the number of cholera cases in Zimbabwe is expected to reach 100,000 this week. 98,309 cases have been reported, with some 4,283 deaths in the outbreak, which began last August.

The article states that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS) said that infection rates of the water-borne disease had fallen by a quarter from a peak in February 2009 of 6% of the population to 4.5%.

UK beach standards drop

The Guardian report that the number of UK bathing spots recommended for having excellent water quality has dropped by almost a sixth because of last year's heavy rain. The rain and flooding has caused run-off from rural and urban areas which has gone down stream to the sea. This run-off has carried farm waste, raw sewage and petrochemicals into rivers and the sea. Follow the link to find out more.

Banning Plastic Bags

I have written many times about the banning of plastic bags/ reusing plastic bags. The Guardian reports that the restrictions on bag usage in China have saved the equivalent of 1.6 million tonnes of oil. This is in the first year since the ban was introduced. Follow the link to find out more

H1N1 cases in the UK rise to 117

The number of H1N1 cases in the UK has risen to 117. The number of cases is rising at four or five a day. The number of cases around the world are increasing and the WHO are keeping a watchful eye.

Australia floods - again

BBC News reports that torrential rains and strong winds have left at least two people dead and forced thousands from their homes on Australia's east coast.

The article states that "Large areas of New South Wales and Queensland have been declared disaster zones. As many as 20,000 people have been cut off by the floodwaters. The flooding is the most extensive in the two states for 30 years." 

Follow the link for more details.

British birth rate highest since 1973

The Guardian reports that  women in England and Wales are having more children than at any time in the past 35 years. This is according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics. The birth rate in England and Wales, which reached a low point of 1.63 children per woman in 2001, show that they have reached 1.95 – the highest fertility level since 1973 and the seventh consecutive annual rise. Follow the link to find out more.