A SPECIAL event is being staged to raise awareness of the work of the Mersey Port Health Authority.
Mersey Port Health Authority has jurisdiction for the Port of Liverpool, John Lennon International Airport, extensive areas of the River Mersey estuary and Northwest coastline. It provides safeguards for human and animal health against the introduction of disease from outside the United Kingdom and European Union.
The Authority is holding a public awareness day on Thursday 27 February at the Atlantic Thistle Hotel, Liverpool, 10am to 3pm, which will enable members of the public, the shipping community and local businesses, to obtain a greater insight into the nature of the work and see how it is developing to meet new challenges.
There will be an extensive exhibition area where there will be information about important issues such as imported foods, shellfish, pollution, international health and international catering waste. Among the agencies who will be represented are Public Health England, IFCA (Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority), Seafarers Centre, PASS (Public Analyst Scientific Services) and HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs).
Presentations will be given by Mersey Port Health Authority, the Foods Standards Agency, Public Health England and Peel Ports.
And for those brave enough to risk it, they can sample the menu at Rentokil’s pop-up Pestaurant which features such delights as pigeon burgers, chocolate mealworms and other bugs. Tips on dealing with pest problems will also be handed out
Mercola Douglas, Chief Port Health officer, said; “This day will give visitors, whether they are involved in the shipping industry, looking towards a career in this area or just want to know more about what we do, the chance to find out how the Port Health Authority operates and the scope of our work.
“There will also be a chance to find out more about such developments as the expansion of the port and issues relating to food safety.”
To find out more or to register your interest in attending email port.health@liverpool.gov.uk