In Memory of Howard Beaumont  dedicated port health professional who passed away in February 2010.

Port Health Competence Framework
APHA and the CIEH are collaborating on a competence framework for port health. A draft for consultation can be downloaded here. APHA invites all our members to submit their views.

Swine Flu
APHA has been liaising with key stakeholders and circulating guidance since the start of the swine flu outbreak in April.  We are continuing to monitor the situation and will post any new guidance as it emerges.  Archive

Vector Control Project
APHA is currently participating in a mosquito monitoring and risk assessment project led by Dr Gai Murphy of Salford University and Jolyon Medlock from the Health Protection Agency, with support from the CIEH. More

APHA/LACORS Agreement
APHA and LACORS have agreed a document which outlines how both organisations can operate in a complimentary way, to ensure that local authorities are well represented and APHA /LACORS resources are used as effectively as possible. More

Port Health Forum
The APHA Port Health forum is a dedicated space for sharing questions, information and observations on port health issues. You don't need to be an APHA member to register on the forum. Recent topics include International Catering Waste and the Airports Committee.Port Health Forum 

Authorisation of Methyl Bromide as a Fumigant
Persons conducting fumigation for quarantine or pre-shipment purposes by using methyl bromide must now obtain prior authorisation from port health authorities or local authorities. APHA has produced a guidance note and pro-forma application form for enforcement officers. More.  

Fish Identification Marking
Guidance Published
APHA has published guidance on identification marking of fishery products. Provides a practical guide to the law about the identification marking of fishery products for importers and enforcement officers.
Download the Guidance

August 2008
APHA Conference, Manchester
9th-11th September 2008
The 2008 APHA conference will take place over three days in Manchester. Topics covered include imported food controls, international health and public health on ships and aircraft. More Information
PROGRAMME PUBLISHED

July 2008
International Catering Waste- Guidance Published
Defra have published guidance for local and port health authorities involved in enforcement controls for International Catering Waste. The guidance outlines the roles and responsibilities of LAs/PHAs and Animal Health.
More Information 

June 2008
GRAIL Imported Food Database Launched
The Food Standards Agency have launched a new version of the GRAIL database which provides up to date legislation and guidance on enforcing imported food controls. More information on the FSA website.

June 2008
Business Plan 2008
APHA is pleased to announce the publication of our 2008 Business Plan which highlights our achievements over the past year and explains our plans for 2008. It tells you how we will be improving the service we provide... More information and to download

May 2008
International Trade Single Window
The ITSW project is aimed at simplifying UK trade procedures for businesses and the government. You can see the latest update on progress including the Automatic Licence Verification project and the Online Trade Tariff in this newsletter.

April 2008
Scotland- IHR Training, 30 April
APHA and REHIS with sponsorship from the FSA Scotland are re-running the one day training course on implementing the International Health Regulations in Scotland including workshops on issuing Ship Sanitation Certificates and scenarios at airports. For more information click here.

January 2008
IHR Seminar Materials Available
In December APHA joined together with the CIEH Port Health SIG to deliver training on the implementation of the new International Health Regulations. Training materials from the course are now available to download from the APHA website.

13th December 2007
APHA agrees UK Ship Sanitation Certificate Charges
APHA has recommended a standard charge to its members for ship sanitation certificate inspections. It is hoped all ports will adopt these from 1st January 2008. Download the new charges. WORD l PDF More info.

December 2007
OFFC Regs 2007 published
The new Offical Feed and Food Controls Regulations came into force in December 2007. For more information on the changes introduced by the regulations click here.

Ship Sanitation Certificates
Frequently asked questions on Ship Sanitation Certificates including what to do if a ship does not have a valid certificate, issuing certificates, charging and the availability of guidance. *NEW PAGE*

8th November 2007
TRAINING- IHRs 2005, 5th December, London
One day training course for environmental health practitioners involved in enforcing provisions of the International Health Regulations. Including workshop on Ship Sanitation Certificates.

29th October 2007
Imported Food Committee
The next meeting of the Imported Food & Feed committee is at 1pm on 8th November. All member authorities are welcome to send representatives. To download the papers log on to the members area.

25th October 2007
CIVIL CONTINGENCIES TRAINING 25th OCTOBER, Glasgow
One day training course for those with statutory responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act at sea and air ports in Scotland. More

16th August 2007
Foot and Mouth Disease- Import and Export Ban
Following the declaration of an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the UK a Commission Decision (2007/554/EC) concerning interim protection measures with regard to foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom has been introduced.
MORE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE