Health protection and public health

London food outlets are being urged to sign up to the Healthier Catering Commitment, a voluntary scheme launched by Alehm, CIEH and the Greater London Authority, allowing food businesses to display a sticker to demonstrate their commitment to reducing saturated fat, sugar and salt. Participating businesses, including fast-food outlets, must be broadly compliant with food hygiene requirements.

A workshop for local authority officers who undertake risk assessment of Private Water Supplies, including private distribution systems. The workshop is being run by the Drinking Water Inspectorate and facilitated by a number of Water Companies, CIEH and local authorities.

Alehm members have expressed concern about the potential loss of a valuable resource for London as a result of historical funding arrangements for the London Air Quality Network (LAQN) which monitors the air quality across London. It is largely funded by individual local authorities where current financial pressures are leading to closure of sites and changes to local service provision which is affecting the integrity and effectiveness of the London-wide network.

To raise awareness of the current situation, Alehm have released a statement recommending financial support from the Greater London Authority to secure the future viability of the network.