E-seminar: Real-time PCR for food authenticity including horse DNA

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This e-seminar was produced by the Government Chemist team with funding from Defra, as a direct result of a series of successful Defra Knowledge Transfer events held at LGC in previous years. The purpose of these e-seminars is to provide access to the information first presented at Defra/LGC Knowledge Transfer events for stakeholders who could not attend the original event, and to provide the opportunity to those that did attend to refresh their knowledge and expertise in the area.

The e-seminar describes the scope, purpose and application of the Defra/LGC Standard Operating Procedure for a real-time PCR approach for the quantitation of horse DNA, as well as providing guidance and advice on the application of real-time PCR in food authenticity testing in general, with a focus on availability of methods and reference materials.

The lead scientist responsible for the e-seminar, Malcolm Burns, from the Government Chemist team, states that “The e-seminar should be of interest to anyone involved in the application of molecular biology approaches for quality, authenticity and adulteration testing of food and feed materials. In particular, the e-seminar will be of relevance to those involved in the using real-time PCR for the trace detection of food ingredients.

Watch the e-seminar

For more information about the work of the Government Chemist contact:

Published 12 November 2019




Animal medicine seizure notice: Pawfection Pets

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The following products were seized by a VMD inspector during an unannounced visit to the pet shop as they are unauthorised veterinary medicines:

  • 61 x Bob Martin Clear Spot on

The UK authorised version of this product is used for flea treatment for cats and dogs. The seized products were marketed for other European countries and therefore not labelled or authorised for retail supply in the UK.

These are not UK authorised products and this is therefore an offence under regulation 26 (Possession of an unauthorised veterinary medicinal product) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013.

Published 12 November 2019




Foreign flagged ships detained in the UK during October 2019

During October, there were six new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in a UK port.

  1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson’s inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping, and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (2009/16/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.

  2. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as THETIS. This allows the ships with a high risk rating and poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.

  3. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. When a ship is found to be not in compliance with applicable convention requirements, a deficiency may be raised. If any of their deficiencies are so serious they have to be rectified before departure, then the ship will be detained.

  4. All deficiencies should be rectified before departure.

  5. When applicable, the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular ro-ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).

Notes on the list of detentions

  • Full details of the ship. The accompanying detention list shows ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it. It also shows the ship’s name and flag state at the time of its inspection.
  • Company. The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate (SMC) or if there is no SMC, then the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.
  • classification society. The list shows the classification society responsible for classing the ship only.
  • recognised organisation. Responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates on behalf of the flag state
  • white (WL), grey (GL) and black lists (BL) are issued by the Paris MoU on 01 July each year and shows the performance of flag State. *deficiencies The deficiencies listed are the ones which were detainable. Further details of other deficiencies can be provided on request.

SHIPS DETAINED IN OCTOBER 2019

Vessel Name: MARTIGNY

GT: 12578

IMO: 9229867

Flag: Switzerland (grey list)

Company: Massoel Shipping SA

Classification society: BV

Recognised organisation: DNV GL

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: DNV GL

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: DNV GL

Date and place of detention: 8th October 2019 at Hull

Summary: Twelve deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
18204 – Non-payment of wages Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 28th October 2019

Vessel Name: MANISA HAMUTO

GT: 7738

IMO: 9165865

Flag: Luxembourg (white list)

Company: HMT Maritime Sarl

Classification society: BV

Recognised organisation: BV

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: BV

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: BV

Date and place of detention: 8th October 2019 at Ipswich

Summary: Nine deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
14104 – Oil filtering equipment Inoperative Yes
10116 – Nautical Publications Not updated Yes
10116 – Nautical Publications Missing Yes
07106 – Fire detection and alarm systems Inoperative Yes
10111 – Charts Not updated Yes
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 17th October 2019

Vessel Name: LUGANO

GT: 8273

IMO: 9244087

Flag: Switzerland (grey list)

Company: Massoel Shipping SA

Classification society: BV

Recognised organisation: DNV GL

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: DNV GL

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: DNV GL

Date and place of detention: 8th October 2019 at Avonmouth

Summary: Eighteen deficiencies with four grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
08204 – Non payment of wages Not according to SEA Yes
02105 – Steering gear Inoperative Yes
18321 – Heating, air conditioning and ventilation Inoperative Yes

This vessel was released on 15th October 2019

Vessel Name: MONA

GT: 4783

IMO: 9101534

Flag: Malta (white list)

Company: Kamar Marine Denizcilik Ic Ve Dis Tic.Ltd

Classification society: RINA

Recognised organisation: RINA

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: RINA

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: RINA

Date and place of detention: 18th October 2019 at Avonmouth

Summary: Fifteen deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
04102 – Emergency fire pumps and its pipes Inoperative Yes

This vessel was released on 24th October 2019

Vessel Name: SEABEE

GT: 2033

IMO: 8909185

Flag: Cook Islands (black list)

Company: Darya B Shipping Ltd

Classification society: BV

Recognised organisation: BV

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: BV

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: BV

Date and place of detention: 16th October 2019 at Scunthorpe

Summary: Fourteen deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
04121 – Crew familiarization with emergency systems Not as required Yes
02105 – Steering gear Not properly tested Yes

This vessel was released on 21st October 2019

Vessel Name: AVIATOR

GT: 11743

IMO: 9363754

Flag: Marshall Islands (white list)

Company: Eveland Shipping Co SA

Classification society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Recognised organisation: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Date and place of detention: 19th October at Teesport

Summary: Thirty-two deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 24th October 2019

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Vessel Name: BOSPHORUS PRINCE

GT: 26010

IMO: 9198381

Flag: Panama (white list)

Company: Bosphorus Prince Shipping Ltd

Classification society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Recognised organisation: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Date and place of detention: 28th September 2019 at Teesport

Summary: Four deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 9th October 2019

Vessel Name: KUZMA MININ

GT: 16257

IMO: 7721263

Flag: Russian Federation (Grey list)

Company: Murmansk Shipping Co

Classification society: RMRS

Recognised organisation: RMRS

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: RMRS

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: RMRS

Date and place of detention: 18th December 2018 at Falmouth

Summary: Thirteen deficiencies with six grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA) Expired Yes
18314 – Provisions quantity Insufficient Yes
01139 – Maritime Labour Certificate Expired Yes
01101 – Cargo Ship Safety Equipment (including exemption) Survey out of window Yes
10104 – Gyro compass Inoperative Yes
01104 – Cargo Ship Safety Radio 9 (including exemption) Survey out of window Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st October 2019

Vessel Name: POSEIDON

GT: 1412

IMO: 7363217

Flag: Iceland (White list)

Company: Neptune EHF

Classification society: NA

Recognised organisation: NA

Recognised organisation for ISM Doc: DNV-GL

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: DNV-GL

Date and place of detention: 19th July 2018 at Hull

Summary: Ten deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
02106 – Hull damage impairing seaworthiness Holed Yes
07113 – Fire Pumps Insufficient Pressure Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st October 2019

Vessel Name: TECOIL POLARIS

GT: 1814

IMO No: 8883290

Flag: Russian Federation (Grey list)

Company: Tecoil Shipping Ltd

Classification society: RMRS

Recognised organisation: RMRS

Recognised organisation for ISM DOC: RMRS

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: RMRS

Date and place of detention: 6th June 2018 at Immingham

Summary: Twenty-Seven deficiencies with eight grounds for detentions

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
10105 – Magnetic compass Inoperative Yes
10104 – Gyro compass Inoperative Yes
11129 – Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances Not as required Yes
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Not as required Yes
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
11104 – Rescue boats Not properly maintained Yes
11101 – Lifeboats Not ready for use Yes
01117 – International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Invalid Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st October 2019

Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)

GT: 106.

IMO No: 8944446.

Flag: Unregistered.

Company: Open Window Inc.

Classification society: Unclassed.

Recognised organisation: Not applicable.

Recognised organisation for ISM DOC: Not applicable.

Recognised organisation for ISM SMC: Not applicable

Date and place of detention: 4 March 2010, Lowestoft

Summary: Thirty deficiencies including seven grounds for detention

This vessel was still detained on 31st October 2019

Notes to Editors • The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector.

• Follow us on Twitter: @MCA_media

For further information please contact Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on: +44 (0) 2380 329 401 Press releases and further information about the agency is available here.




Hundreds of Environment Agency staff work to reduce flood risk

Over 200 Environment Agency (EA) staff are now on the ground in South Yorkshire supporting local communities affected by the recent devastating flooding.

Since the flooding began last Thursday, approximately 13,500 properties have been protected by flood defences, including nearly 5,000 properties in South Yorkshire alone. Flood storage areas are also being operated to protect 7,000 homes in parts of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

The flood risk remains high for the coming days with heavier bands of rainfall expected on Thursday and Friday, bringing an increased risk of further river and surface water flooding across flood-hit areas in South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire where river flows will remain high and ground is saturated.

The Environment Agency is better prepared than ever to protect properties and homes in the flood-affected areas. New flood equipment acquired since the floods of winter 2015/16 includes an additional 40km of temporary barriers, 308,880 sandbags and 72 pumps, including 12 ultra-high volume pumps.

We continue to work around the clock in our incident rooms and on the ground to reduce flood risk and keep communities safe. EA field teams are continuing to work 24/7 to clear debris from rivers, operate flood storage areas and pump away flood water. In Fishlake, ultra-high volume pumps have been deployed to pump away flood water as soon as water levels allow.

As at 1pm (Tuesday 12 November) there are five severe flood warnings in South Yorkshire with a threat to life, 28 flood warnings and 76 flood alerts.

Doug Wilson, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

More heavy rain could bring further and severe surface water and river flooding to parts of South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Thursday and Friday. Areas of South Yorkshire will remain affected by ongoing high river levels today through to Saturday.

Elsewhere, frequent showers today (Tuesday) will fall on saturated river catchments across the Yorkshire Pennines, Peak District, Staffordshire and Derbyshire which could also bring more localised river flooding to these areas.

The Environment Agency has teams working around the clock on the ground erecting temporary barriers and delivering sandbags to areas expecting further rainfall.

Our incident rooms remain open 24 hours a day and we are continuing to work closely with local authorities and partners.

People should remain vigilant, check their flood risk and plan to stay safe. We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.

The public can check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation, or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or following @EnvAgency on Twitter.

Notes to editors:




34th Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on Slovenia

The United Kingdom commends Slovenia’s commitment to human rights, We welcome Slovenia’s engagement with the UPR process and recognise Slovenia’s progress since its last review in 2014. We welcome Slovenia’s 2016 adoption of the Protection against Discrimination Act, as well as the 2018 amendment of the 2013 Act Regulating the Compensation for Damage Sustained as a Result of Erasure from the Register of Permanent Residents.

The UK commends Slovenia for signing the Global Pledge on Media Freedom in September 2019, and for committing to the Global Media Defence Fund. We note the recent tabling of legislation to introduce government-appointed media inspectors to prevent the publication of hate speech, and encourage Slovenia to ensure that this legislation is in line with commitments under the Global Pledge on Media Freedom. We also call on the government to promote and protect freedom of expression and decriminalise defamation.

We recommend that Slovenia:

1) Amend defamation legislation so that it is considered a civil, not criminal, offence.

2) Ratify and implement the International Labour Organization’s 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (P029).

3) Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections