Professionals in environmental health jobs have been advised to ensure that they read new guidance that has been published by the Department of Health on forthcoming legal changes.
The document explains the variety of amendments to health protection legislation that are set to come into force from April 6th 2010.
A key part of the changes includes giving local authorities more power in the event of an outbreak of infection or contamination.
Ian Gray, principal policy officer for the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), said it was important that those employed in the profession take heed of the new guidelines.
"This guidance is essential reading for all environmental health practitioners," he said.
Mr Gray added that it was important that local authorities ensure their staff in environmental health jobs have received adequate training on the upcoming changes.
Last week, a new website for environmental health professionals was launched by the CIEH and the Departments of Health for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
