Page 310 — British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF)

MICROSOFT WARNS OF MALWARE TARGETING LINUX SYSTEMS

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has highlighted that Microsoft’s Security Intelligence team has uncovered “notable updates” to malware targeting Linux systems to install cryptomining malware.

The group behind the malware, known as the “8820 gang”, has been active since 2017. Their most recent campaign has been targeting i686 and x86_64 Linux systems and uses RCE exploits for CVE-2022-26134 and CVE-2019-2725 for initial access (Atlassian Confluence Server and Oracle WebLogic, respectively).

Microsoft also revealed that the malware features self-propagating capabilities:

“The loader uses the IP port scanner tool “masscan” to find other SSH servers in the network, and then uses the GoLang-based SSH brute force tool “spirit” to propagate. It also scans the local disk for SSH keys to move laterally by connecting to known hosts.”

To protect against this threat, Microsoft recommends that organisations should secure systems and servers, apply updates, and use good credential hygiene.

The NCSC has advice for organisations on updating their approach to password policies and implementing effective authentication policies.

They also have guidance available for organisations, both public and private sector, to help them mitigate against malware infection and what to do should they find themselves already infected.

REMINDER: FIRST PLASTICS PACKAGING TAXES DUE BY 29TH JULY!

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

We would like to remind members that if you are liable for the plastics packaging tax (PPT), your first quarterly PPT return should have been submitted from 1^st July and any tax must be paid no later than 29 July 2022.

Your PPT return needs to cover plastic packaging your business manufactured or imported into the UK from when you became liable to 30 June 2022.

Remember that:

You must keep accounts and records to support the information provided when you complete your quarterly PPT return.
Your accounts must show how you have worked out the figures you submit on your PPT return, and your records must show the evidence to support these figures.
You must keep your accounts and records for at least 6 years from the end of the accounting period, and record weight in tonnes, kilograms, and grams.
You will need to pay any tax due through your online PPT account. You can pay via Direct Debit, BACS, CHAPS, Debit/Corporate credit card or Faster Payments.
You will need to submit a PPT return to HMRC and pay any tax due every quarter. Your PPT return must cover an accounting period. For 2022-23, the accounting periods and deadlines for returns and payment are:
1 April to 30 June 2022 accounting period. Deadline for return and payment is 29 July 2022
1 July to 30 September 2022 accounting period. Deadline for return and payment is 31 October 2022
1 October to 31 December 2022 accounting period. Deadline for return and payment is 31 January 2023
1 January to 31 March 2023 accounting period. Deadline for return and payment is 28 April 2023

Guidance is available on the GOV.UK collection page including information on how to complete your PPT return

Members may also find this HMRC toolkit useful. It contains a range of information and guidance on the tax as well as a Q&A section.

WAGNER RECEIVES INNOVATION SEAL

Posted on July 12, 2022 by carl.bryan@wagner-uk.com

WAGNER has been awarded the “Innovative through Research” seal by the Stifterverband on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). This is awarded to companies that participate in the survey on research and development. The aim is to obtain a picture of the German research and innovation system in the business sector. Despite the pandemic, WAGNER has been able to significantly increase its spendings on the department.

Graduate engineer Florence Daniault, Head of Innovation & Knowledge at WAGNER Group GmbH, explains the background: “Research & Development (R&D) is one of the drivers of our company. With our permanent R&D activity, we contribute to WAGNER having a secure future.” The graduate engineer has been working at WAGNER for more than 30 years, developing software and setting up the patent department in the company. Florence Daniault takes care of patents and standards in addition to the topic of innovations. She has witnessed the company’s development from a small company to a larger medium-sized enterprise and knows the importance of constantly developing and rethinking solutions.

Since research and development are important drivers of the German economy, the German Federal Ministry of Research and Development (BMBF) has had companies surveyed every two years since 2014 via the Stifterverband on how much money and creative energy they invest in R&D. The data collected is used as part of reporting by the German government, the EU and OECD and serves as a determinant for the direction of German research and funding policy.

“The pandemic didn’t stop us, and so we now employ significantly more people in R&D than we did two years ago,” Florence Daniault reports on the development at WAGNER. While in 2019 there were 42 employees, in 2021 there were 58 employees. “Our total R&D investment has also increased by around 40% over the same period,” says the engineer. “This means we are making an important contribution to achieving our targets as part of our corporate strategy WAGNER.2026.”

D.tec International welcomes latest update to the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) which came info effect on 1st July 2022.

Posted on July 12, 2022November 7, 2025 by

The FORS accreditation scheme which aims to raise the level of quality within commercial freight and passenger fleet operations, and to demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection has been updated with the new standard coming into effect on 1^st July 2022. Operators have had since last October when the changes to the standard were first announced to transition to the latest set of requirements.

Since being introduced in 2008 by Transport for London (TfL), FORS has grown in popularity and now extends to all parts of the UK with a significant and fast-growing number of customers demanding compliance to the standard for operators to carry out work on their behalf.

The latest standard (Version 6.0), continues to include a requirement for fleet operators to have policies and supporting procedures in place to prevent driver impairment through drugs and alcohol and outlines what action should be taken when suspecting driver impairment and for drug and alcohol testing to be conducted before employment or the start of a particular contract, routinely, randomly, or unannounced and after involvement in a road traffic collision, incident or near-miss.

Ean Lewin, Managing Director for D.tec International, the UK’s leading provider of drug and alcohol testing services and equipment for safety critical employees, said “I am delighted that FORS have continued to recognise the importance of addressing the growing trend of drug and alcohol related incidents in our workplaces and on our roads. Employers must embrace the issue and ensure that they have robust policies and procedures in place, such as those required by FORS, to help tackle the problem”.

The past 12-months have seen a renewed focus on drink and drug driving with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) updating its guidance to employers on the subject. The Department for Transport have also launched a call for evidence in relation to drug driving and parliament are actively debating tougher penalties for drug drivers.

New laws have already been introduced which could see drivers who cause death by careless driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol given life sentences and the first ever summer drink and drug drive campaign will take place next month.

For more information on how D.tec International can help your businesses to stay compliant, visit: https://www.dtecinternational.com/FORS

D.tec International is the sole UK distributor for the Securetec range of instant readout disposable drug detection products, DrugWipe and DrugID. These are used extensively in the UK, Europe and around the world.

DrugWipe is the global leader for police roadside driver drug screening and is also used extensively for safety critical employee drug testing. D.tec supply all 43 police forces in England, Wales and most recently Scotland, as well as hundreds of corporate clients, smaller businesses and organisations.

D.tec is a leading workplace distributor for Drager police specification breathalysers. These market leading alcohol testing devices are used around the world.

Press contact:

Chris Seaton – chris@publicaffairsgroup.co.uk or 07979 531464

BIRDS EYE’S GREEN CUISINE BRAND LAUNCHES ITS NEW IDENTITY WITH ITS NEW ‘WELCOME TO THE PLANT AGE’ CAMPAIGN

Posted on July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 by Pete.Johnson@birdseye.co.uk

Birds Eye is relaunching its meat-free Green Cuisine brand with the announcement of a new advertising campaign that goes live today and sets out to reappraise and challenge consumers’ eating habits. The new ‘Welcome to the Plant Age’ campaign worth £4.4m reveals a distinctive new identity for the brand with the introduction of new animated characters and is Green Cuisine’s biggest 360 campaign to date including TV ads, new packaging, instore support, PR and OOH advertising.

The alternative protein market is forecast to become 11% of the overall protein market by 2035[1] but many consumers feel that the category isn’t relevant for them for any one of a variety of reasons. Green Cuisine’s new ‘Welcome to the Plant Age’ campaign challenges consumers’ beliefs about plant-based diets and encourages them to reassess their current eating habits with the help of the Birds Eye Green Cuisine range.

The new brand identity builds on the success and insights of Birds Eye Green Cuisine’s award-winning[2] 2021 support of Team GB at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when the brand demonstrated to consumers that meat-free, and Green Cuisine, is truly for everyone.

Birds Eye’s Green Cuisine range is well placed to help motivate consumers to embrace the Plant Based category and fuel category growth, by providing meat-free versions of some of the nation’s most popular dinner time staples. The Green Cuisine range includes chicken-free dippers, meat-free burgers and fishless fingers as well as delicious veg-packed options, including our popular veggie fingers. With 6.6% of the total UK population having bought Birds Eye Green Cuisine products in the last year[3], the new campaign launches at a time of continued growth for the brand, with value sales +2.9% vs. YA[4] and continued growth of market share over the last 4-, 12- and 52-week times periods[5].

Elle Barker, Marketing Director on Green Cuisine, says – “Our new brand platform plays off the insight that choosing plant-based foods can sometimes feel like a compromise, even though there are so many benefits to including more meat alternatives within our diets. Our vision is to make a flexitarian diet accessible to all and with the help of new animated characters who challenge the way we think, Green Cuisine can demonstrate just how easy, delicious, and nutritious it can be to incorporate plant-based options into everyday meals.”

The new campaign launches in the UK across TV and digital today, with the new packaging, PR and out-of-home rolling out from August onwards. A new website celebrating the brand’s new identity can be found at www.green-cuisine.com.

[1] US department of Agriculture, Euromonitor, UBS, ING, Good food institute, expert interviews, Blue Horizon and BCO analysis

[2] Winner of Campaign of the Year 2021 at The Marketing Society Awards

[3] Kantar Worldpanel penetration 52w/e 12^th June 2022

[4] Nielsen Scantrack, Total coverage, total meat-free, value sales, L52wks w/e 18^th June 2022

[5] Nielsen Scantrack, Total coverage, total meat-free, value share, L4,12,52wks w/e 18^th June 2022

TIS THE SEASON FOR A BARBIE: ICELAND LAUNCHES PIGS IN BLANKETS KEBAB AMONG OTHER EXCITING NEW BBQ PRODUCTS

Posted on July 12, 2022 by mel.matson@iceland.co.uk

The worst thing about pigs in blankets? You can only have them at Christmas. Well not anymore! Iceland and The Food Warehouse are offering shoppers the chance to pick-up the festive treat in kebab form, along with two other newly launched kebab dishes, in an amazing three for £10 deal this summer.

Shoppers who crave the jolly treat all year round can indulge with the Iceland Ultimate Pigs in Blankets Kebab (£3.85, 259g), a must for the barbie season. The pork chipolata sausages are seasoned with spices and filled and wrapped in smoked streaky bacon and are sure to blow any guests away.

But that’s not all… Iceland has also released five more modern twists on classic kebabs. If you like your skewers a little spicier, grab a pack of Iceland Chicken and Chorizo Skewers (£3.85, 4pk). Picture juicy chicken breast pieces smothered in a smoked paprika marinade with green peppers and slices of smoked chorizo.

Iceland Tikka and Tandoori Duo Chicken Skewers (£3.85, 4pk) are the best option for those who want a little more flavour. Chicken thigh pieces are coated in tandoori and tikka style seasoning with chopped onions, red and green peppers – they’ll knock guests’ socks off.

Fancy something even spicier? Iceland Beef Kofta Kebabs with Chilli Sauce (£3.85, 2pk) are sure to be hit, we’re talking minced beef mixed with a smoky seasoning, breadcrumbs, spices, and herbs with a red chilli sauce sachet, ideal for a heatwave feast.

And for those who fancy a classic skewer, pick up the Iceland BBQ Chicken Skewers (£3.85, 4pk) – chicken breast chunks marinated in a garlic, smoked paprika and barbecue sauce. What a crowd pleaser.

Shoppers will be delighted to hear that they can get three of these delicious kebabs for just £10, meaning you can feed the family more, for less. That’s a useful saving of up to £1.55 that shoppers can then spend on sides such as Mini Corn Cobs (£1.00, 625g), Florette Sweet & Crunchy salad (£1.35, 310g) or Fruity Couscous (£1.35, 250g).

Customers will also be excited to hear that they can grab Iceland Hunter’s Chicken Kebabs with BBQ Sauce (£5.00, 2pk). Succulent chicken fillets are wrapped with smoked streaky bacon and topped with cheddar with an additional sachet of barbecue sauce. Delicious.

Customers bored of ordinary burgers can also pick up three quirky alternatives. Try delicious and crispy Iceland Prawn Toast Burgers (£3.50, 2pk), spicy Iceland Pepperoni Beef Burgers (£2.75, 2pk) or crunchy Iceland Nacho Cheese Beef Burgers (£3.00, 4pk) – what a selection and great to keep the adults and children alike, full and entertained.

Products included in the three for £10 offer:

Iceland Ultimate Pigs in Blankets Kebab (£3.85, 259g)
Iceland BBQ Chicken Skewers (£3.85, 4pk)
Iceland Chicken and Chorizo Skewers (£3.85, 4pk)
Iceland Tikka and Tandoori Duo Chicken Skewers (£3.85, 4pk)
Iceland Beef Kofta Kebabs with Chilli Sauce (£3.85, 2pk)
Iceland BBQ Chicken Skewers (£3.85, 4pk)
Iceland Chicken and Chorizo Skewers (£3.85, 4pk)
Iceland Tikka and Tandoori Duo Chicken Skewers (£3.85, 4pk)
Iceland Beef Kofta Kebabs with Chilli Sauce (£3.85, 2pk)
Iceland Chinese Pork Belly Slices (£3.85, 330g)
Iceland Sticky BBQ Pork Belly Slices (£3.85, 310g)
Iceland Piri Piri Sausages (£3.50, 428g)

If you want to get your hands on the products, they’re available now in-store or online at: https://www.iceland.co.uk and The Food Warehouse.

A few reasons to become a member of BFFF

To find out more about becoming a member call 01400 283 095 or email the team

Join BFFF

Member profile on BFFF website

Free BFFF Member List

Free listing in the annual Member Directory

Access to latest industry news and information

Weekly newsletter, press and media opportunities

Press and media opportunities

Marketing, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities

Networking via opportunities at BFFF events

Free market data provided by Circana and World Panel

Access to industry specialists

Expert guidance from Technical and Health & Safety teams

Access to Primary Authority schemes and assured advice

H&S Audit Service/Advice

Free access to HR and legal guidance and advice line

Training and Education

Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

BFFF energy deals and rates
Vypr member deals and introduction
Defib Plus deals
Company Shop – membership
Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
Annual Lunch
Awards Night

Become a member

Sponsorship Packages

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to BFFF members across our events throughout the year, with flexible packages that can be tailored to suit your business objectives.

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