Recent discussions between Scottish government officials and industry representatives have highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure a licensing scheme for the continued use of rodent glue boards in Scotland. This follows the successful lobbying for an amendment in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act.

Minister Jim Fairley MSP, alongside other Scottish government officials, has emphasised the necessity for compelling evidence to support the licensing scheme. This evidence must come directly from service users, particularly those in the pest management sector and their clients.

The primary aim is to collect data on specific instances where the absence of glue boards could have severely impacted food safety and public health. Such evidence will be pivotal in advocating for the licensing scheme's implementation.

Several key organisations have been identified to support this initiative, including:

• BRC/SRC
• UK Hospitality
• Scottish Hospitality Group
• REHIS/Society of Chief Officers in Environmental Health in Scotland

The need for evidence is pressing, and professionals in the field are being asked to provide case studies where the use of glue boards was crucial in preventing closures or prohibitions related to food safety. This information is essential to demonstrate the necessity of rodent glue boards in maintaining public health standards.

A roundtable event has been scheduled on Zoom for Wednesday 3 July, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. This online discussion will serve as a platform for members to strategise on gathering the necessary evidence and to discuss the best approach moving forward. Participation from all relevant parties is encouraged to ensure a robust case is presented to the Scottish government.

Without this collective effort and the necessary evidence, the future of the licensing scheme remains uncertain. Therefore, stakeholders are urged to join the roundtable and contribute to this critical initiative.

Registration for the event is now open.

Register now