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Scotland to have own food standards body
New body to be set up for Scotland

The Scottish Government has decided to establish a new body to oversee food safety, food standards, nutrition, food labelling and meat inspection in Scotland.

The decision was made following a recommendation by Jim Scudamore, a former UK Chief Veterinary Officer, who reviewed the feasibility of establishing such a body by the Scottish Government.

In light of the UK Government having decided to move responsibility for nutrition and food labelling in England from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to the Department of Health and Defra, Professor Scudamore recommended a new, stand-alone public body to deal with food standards, as it would "offer the best outcome for Scotland's long term interests."

Michael Matheson, public health minister in the Scottish Government, said: "A new body will allow a Scottish approach to be taken to tackle poor diet and foodborne diseases and should support our food and drink industry in growing its strong, international reputation for safe, quality food."

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.