Consultations
TfL: Transport for London (TfL) has launched a statutory public consultation (closes on28 June 2010) to include larger vans & minibuses in the Low Emission Zone from January 2012. The proposal would require the oldest, most polluting larger vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles to meet the Euro III standard for particulate matter (PM) in order to drive, without charge, in the Low Emission Zone from 3 January 2012.
These vehicles were originally due to be included from 4 October 2010. The new date will be confirmed & published well ahead of implementation to allow vehicle operators time to take any necessary action.
Press release ~ Consultation ~ TfL: LEZ ~ Related press release (scroll down for links) ~ LEZ emissions standards
FSA: The Food Standards Agency’s expert advisory committee on novel foods is consulting on its draft opinion on a company’s application to market chia seed in the UK.
Chia (also known as Salvia hispanica) is a summer annual herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family. It is grown commercially in several Latin American countries and Australia, but the chia seed has not been consumed to a significant degree in the EU and is therefore considered to be a ‘novel food’.
Chia (also known as Salvia hispanica) is a summer annual herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family. It is grown commercially in several Latin American countries and Australia, but the chia seed has not been consumed to a significant degree in the EU and is therefore considered to be a ‘novel food’.
A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union (EU) before 15 May 1997. The company intends to limit the use of its chia seed to bread products at a maximum level of 5%. This is consistent with authorisation given to the South American-grown chia seed in 2009.
Any comments on this draft opinion should be emailed to the ACNFP secretariat at acnfp@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk by Saturday 29 May 2010. The comments will be passed to the committee when it concludes its assessment of this novel food ingredient.
MLA: Museum professionals have an opportunity to give their views to help shape the final Accreditation standard. Individuals or organisations can comment on the revised scheme. The new way forward for Museums, Libraries and Archives Council's (MLA) flagship Accreditation scheme is entering its final stages with a revised standard to be announced in autumn 2010.
Museum professionals now have an opportunity to give their views (by 25 June 2010) to help shape the final standard. Individuals or organisations can comment on whether the requirements are achievable & useful; and to suggest training & support needed to roll out the revised scheme.
