Latest news with #BeckyGittins
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Latin makeup labels put people with allergies 'at risk'
Makeup and skincare ingredients should be listed in English and not Latin to protect people with allergies, campaigners say. Cosmetic companies display ingredients in Latin, or using scientific names. But MP Becky Gittins, who has a severe nut allergy, said this was a problem as "less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin". One mum, whose daughter had an allergic reaction to body wash, said cosmetics should be labelled in the same way as food. Makeup influencer Amy Loring said the labelling system was "frustrating" but for some could be "life threatening". The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) said Latin-based names provided a universal language across the globe. Teens fight back against online skincare trends 'Don't do it': Warning against cheap filler and Botox-style injections Cosmetic companies list ingredients according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), a system which includes thousands of different Latin-based names. For example, sweet almond oil is Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, peanut oil is Arachis Hypogaea, and wheat germ extract is Triticum Vulgare. Some cosmetic brands also list their ingredients in English, but this is not a requirement. Eve Huang's daughter Elysia, 9, is allergic to cow's milk, coconut, eggs, asparagus, mustard and tree nuts. Elysia's allergies are triggered not just by food but by airborne particles and skin contact. "The Latin puts allergy sufferers at risk and it is so frustrating," said Ms Huang, from Hornchurch in Essex. "Why are allergens not listed in bold? Why are there no warning signs?" Ms Huang said she recently bought Elysia a new skin-sensitive body wash. Within seconds of getting into the bath, Elysia became red and developed a hives rash all over her body. At first, they did not realise the cause was the body wash. Elysia did not develop anaphylaxis - a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction - but she did need to be treated. "A child should not have to take medicine simply for having a bath. A process of getting oneself clean should not make them seriously ill," said Ms Huang. She said birthday parties could also be "a nightmare". "At one party, Elysia was gifted a facial mask in the party bag and I've had to explain she can't use it until I've 'Googled' the Latin names and checked whether it's safe." She added: "Some brands now include English translations, which is useful. But I would like to see similar, if not the same standards, as food packaging." Gittins, the Labour MP for Clwyd East who is behind the campaign for change, has a severe nut allergy. If she were to use products containing nuts it could trigger anaphylaxis. Gittins said at a recent trip to a spa, she had to frantically "Google" Latin terms to check for allergens. "Even on a day that's supposed to be relaxing, I was still mitigating risk. It is incredibly difficult," she said. "Less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin at any level. Even fewer would recognise these terms when checking the back of a packet to see if they can use certain toiletries or ointments – that then becomes a big problem." Gittins said her allergy meant she lived with "a base level of anxiety". She added: "Do I live a very restricted life, or do I go out and do the things that are more risky? "That is what we need to minimise - we need to make sure we have a much more allergy-friendly world so we can mitigate that risk." Amy Loring, a makeup artist from Cardiff who uses her Instagram page to provide skincare and cosmetics advice to thousands, said the labelling system needed to be "very clear". "I have hypersensitive skin and it's very uncomfortable when you're breaking out and have eczema over your face. There are some days I can't put anything on my skin because it is reacting so bad," said the 31-year-old. "It is frustrating as a consumer when you get reactions like rosacea, redness, breakouts, and that's just mild allergies - it can be quite severe and life-threatening." Almond (bitter): Prunus amygdalus amar Avocado: Persea gratissima Apricot: Prunus armeniaca Banana: Musa sapientum Brazil nut: Bertholletia excelsa Cashew: Anacardium occidentale Chestnut: Castanea sativa/sylva or castanea crenata Coconut: Cocus nucifera Egg: Ovum Fish liver oil: Piscum iecur Hazelnut: Corylus rostrata, corylus americana, corylus avellana Kiwi fruit: Actinidia chinensis or actinidia deliciosa Oat: Avena sativa or Avena strigosa Peach: Prunus persica Peanut oil: Arachis Hypogaea Sesame: Sesamum indicum Sweet almond oil: Prunus amygdalus dulcis Walnut: Juglans regia or juglans nigra Wheat germ extract: Triticum vulgare Regulations state that cosmetic ingredients must be listed clearly. If there is no outer packaging, the labelling will be on the container. If the product is very small, the ingredients may be listed on a leaflet. While the INCI system ensures consistency across the globe, critics say it leaves many consumers in the dark. Rachel Williams' son, Jacob, is allergic to peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds. "It is difficult enough to navigate life with allergies without adding the learning of Latin on top of everything else," said Rachel, from Swansea. "I can't always remember the name of certain nuts in Latin, or I doubt myself when I'm checking products. This means I have to search online every time I use a product. I would have a lot more confidence in the products if they stated all of the top 14 allergens in English." The CTPA has defended the use of INCI ingredient names. Caroline Rainsford, the director of science at the CTPA, said the system provided a universal language across the globe. "For botanical or natural extracts, we refer to the Linnaean system, which is the international system for scientifically naming plants and animals, and lots of those names will be Latin-based," she said. "The reason we refer to that system is to have global harmonisation. "I can see that perhaps people would think it may be easier to have the English name but if you are on holiday and you are looking at the ingredients list, you would need to know the name of the plant in whichever country you're in. "Whereas if we use the INCI system, you then just need to remember that one INCI name. "The more consistency and harmonisation we have with the ingredient list is not only great for us when we're buying a product, it also makes life easier for companies." The industry has developed tools to help consumers navigate the terminology. One such tool is the COSMILE app, which allows users to search ingredient names by scanning the label. The app aims to offer reliable and scientifically supported information on thousands of ingredients used in cosmetic products. A UK government spokesperson said: "Our regulations require all cosmetics to include a full list of ingredients that is clearly marked on the product label or packaging using generally accepted names." Girl with severe allergies has to try new food outside A&E TikTok Shop food listings 'putting people at risk' Parents warned over child use of skincare products
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Latin makeup labels put allergy sufferers at risk, say campaigners
Makeup and skincare ingredients should be listed in English and not Latin to protect people with allergies, campaigners companies display ingredients in Latin, or using scientific names. But MP Becky Gittins, who has a severe nut allergy, said this was a problem as "less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin".One mum, whose daughter had an allergic reaction to body wash, said cosmetics should be labelled in the same way as influencer Amy Loring said the labelling system was "frustrating" but for some could be "life threatening".The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) said Latin-based names provided a universal language across the globe. Cosmetic companies list ingredients according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), a system which includes thousands of different Latin-based names. For example, sweet almond oil is Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, peanut oil is Arachis Hypogaea, and wheat germ extract is Triticum Vulgare. Some cosmetic brands also list their ingredients in English, but this is not a requirement. Eve Huang's daughter Elysia, 9, is allergic to cow's milk, coconut, eggs, asparagus, mustard and tree allergies are triggered not just by food but by airborne particles and skin contact."The Latin puts allergy sufferers at risk and it is so frustrating," said Ms Huang, from Hornchurch in Essex."Why are allergens not listed in bold? Why are there no warning signs?"Ms Huang said she recently bought Elysia a new skin-sensitive body wash. Within seconds of getting into the bath, Elysia became red and developed a hives rash all over her body. At first, they did not realise the cause was the body wash. Elysia did not develop anaphylaxis - a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction - but she did need to be treated. 'Google the Latin names' "A child should not have to take medicine simply for having a bath. A process of getting oneself clean should not make them seriously ill," said Ms said birthday parties could also be "a nightmare"."At one party, Elysia was gifted a facial mask in the party bag and I've had to explain she can't use it until I've 'Googled' the Latin names and checked whether it's safe."She added: "Some brands now include English translations, which is useful. But I would like to see similar, if not the same standards, as food packaging." Gittins, the Labour MP for Clwyd East who is behind the campaign for change, has a severe nut allergy. If she were to use products containing nuts it could trigger said at a recent trip to a spa, she had to frantically "Google" Latin terms to check for allergens. "Even on a day that's supposed to be relaxing, I was still mitigating risk. It is incredibly difficult," she said."Less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin at any level. Even fewer would recognise these terms when checking the back of a packet to see if they can use certain toiletries or ointments – that then becomes a big problem."Gittins said her allergy meant she lived with "a base level of anxiety".She added: "Do I live a very restricted life, or do I go out and do the things that are more risky?"That is what we need to minimise - we need to make sure we have a much more allergy-friendly world so we can mitigate that risk." Amy Loring, a makeup artist from Cardiff who uses her Instagram page to provide skincare and cosmetics advice to thousands, said the labelling system needed to be "very clear"."I have hypersensitive skin and it's very uncomfortable when you're breaking out and have eczema over your face. There are some days I can't put anything on my skin because it is reacting so bad," said the 31-year-old."It is frustrating as a consumer when you get reactions like rosacea, redness, breakouts, and that's just mild allergies - it can be quite severe and life-threatening." The Latin names of cosmetic ingredients Almond (bitter): Prunus amygdalus amarAvocado: Persea gratissimaApricot: Prunus armeniacaBanana: Musa sapientumBrazil nut: Bertholletia excelsaCashew: Anacardium occidentaleChestnut: Castanea sativa/sylva or castanea crenataCoconut: Cocus nuciferaEgg: OvumFish liver oil: Piscum iecurHazelnut: Corylus rostrata, corylus americana, corylus avellanaKiwi fruit: Actinidia chinensis or actinidia deliciosaOat: Avena sativa or Avena strigosaPeach: Prunus persicaPeanut oil: Arachis HypogaeaSesame: Sesamum indicumSweet almond oil: Prunus amygdalus dulcisWalnut: Juglans regia or juglans nigraWheat germ extract: Triticum vulgare Regulations state that cosmetic ingredients must be listed clearly. If there is no outer packaging, the labelling will be on the container. If the product is very small, the ingredients may be listed on a the INCI system ensures consistency across the globe, critics say it leaves many consumers in the dark. Rachel Williams' son, Jacob, is allergic to peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds."It is difficult enough to navigate life with allergies without adding the learning of Latin on top of everything else," said Rachel, from Swansea."I can't always remember the name of certain nuts in Latin, or I doubt myself when I'm checking products. This means I have to search online every time I use a product. I would have a lot more confidence in the products if they stated all of the top 14 allergens in English."The CTPA has defended the use of INCI ingredient Rainsford, the director of science at the CTPA, said the system provided a universal language across the globe."For botanical or natural extracts, we refer to the Linnaean system, which is the international system for scientifically naming plants and animals, and lots of those names will be Latin-based," she said. "The reason we refer to that system is to have global harmonisation."I can see that perhaps people would think it may be easier to have the English name but if you are on holiday and you are looking at the ingredients list, you would need to know the name of the plant in whichever country you're in. "Whereas if we use the INCI system, you then just need to remember that one INCI name."The more consistency and harmonisation we have with the ingredient list is not only great for us when we're buying a product, it also makes life easier for companies."The industry has developed tools to help consumers navigate the such tool is the COSMILE app, which allows users to search ingredient names by scanning the label. The app aims to offer reliable and scientifically supported information on thousands of ingredients used in cosmetic products.A UK government spokesperson said: "Our regulations require all cosmetics to include a full list of ingredients that is clearly marked on the product label or packaging using generally accepted names."
Business News Wales
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales' Largest Offshore Wind Farm Marks 10 Years Powering the Nation
Wind Offshore Park Gwynt y Mor, UK 2025 From left: Jo Pickard, senior consents manager, Awel y Mor, Becky Gittins, MP Lara Debenham, Interface Engineer, Awel y Môr, Nina Griffith MP, Gareth Brandrick, General Manager Gwynt y Môr, Josh Morris, Communications and Stakeholder Manager, Awel y Môr , Alisdair Smith, Marine & Logistics Manager Gwynt y Môr RWE has marked 10 years of electricity generation at Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm off the North Wales coast. At 576 megawatts (MW) installed capacity, Gwynt y Môr is currently the largest operating renewable energy project in Wales and, at the time of its inauguration in June 2015, was the second largest offshore wind farm operating globally. The project has created long-term, skilled jobs within the company and across its supply-chain, while unlocking significant economic investments for Welsh communities and companies alike, RWE said. From June 2015 to June 2025, Gwynt y Môr is estimated to have generated enough clean power to: Power a total of c.5.5 million typical Welsh and UK homes, (or 550,000 homes a year for 10 years) Drive a total of c. 257 million Electric Vehicles 400 km Run a total of c. 205 million light bulbs 24/7 for a year Sven Utermöhlen, RWE CEO Offshore Wind, said: 'A decade of operation at Gwynt y Môr is a defining moment for RWE, the region, and our passionate team. This wind farm has been at the heart of transforming North Wales into a hub of expertise for offshore wind energy and has set a blueprint for potential new projects across the UK. The experience RWE has gained here has been instrumental in establishing our company as one of the world's offshore wind leaders and a key player in the UK power sector.' Gwynt y Môr is a Joint Venture between RWE (50%), Stadtwerke München GmbH (30%) and Macquarie GIG (20%.) RWE originally developed and built the 160 turbines project and continues to be responsible for operating the offshore plant on behalf of its partners. RWE is also developing an extension project, Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, to the west of Gwynt y Môr with partners. The project already has approval for 50 turbines, making it Wales's largest consented renewables project. Staff past and present marked the 10 years of operations. The anniversary was also recognised by Welsh politicians, including Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli and Becky Gittins MP for Clwyd East, who visited the turbines and met with staff and contractors. Dame Nia Griffith MP, said: 'Gwynt y Môr shows how renewable energy projects can bring extraordinary benefits, not only by powering hundreds of thousands of homes and tackling climate change, but by strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and enhancing skills. It's inspiring to see the ongoing contribution it makes to a more sustainable future for Wales.' Since its inauguration, Gwynt y Môr has regularly supported communities in which it operates, and has been a catalyst for regional investment. The project led to key developments at the Port of Mostyn, where RWE built a bespoke Operations and Maintenance base providing over 100 long term, skilled local jobs. A new pontoon landing stage was also installed so that Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) could operate during lower tides; an innovation that enhanced the port's operational competitiveness. Beyond infrastructure, Gwynt y Môr has fostered the development of skills in the region. A bespoke offshore wind apprenticeship training programme at Coleg Llandrillo was launched in response to the RWE wind farm's operation, and is now RWE's national apprentice training hub. Through Gwynt y Môr, RWE has made significant investments in its neighboring communities. During construction, a £690,000 Tourism Fund unlocked transformational projects, including the creation of the Green Links Cycle Trail. Spanning local attractions from Prestatyn to Rhos-on-Sea, the trail has boosted regional tourism and connected key sites for locals and visitors. Long-term, the Gwynt y Môr Community Fund will invest over £19 million of flexible funding over the operational lifetime of the wind farm, with decisions made by a panel of local people. The fund supports projects ranging from improvements to sports clubs and community buildings to salaries for community development staff and projects, such as Abergele Actions and Building Brighter Futures in Rhyl.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
QUENTIN LETTS: One Labour MP sat with pen poised to write down all the Chancellor's thrilling announcements. It was soon lowered
, sleek if subdued, intoned that she was 'allocating the envelope I set out in the spring'. Treasury ministers had been 'crunching the numbers, looking at the assets and the liabilities'. Bob Blackman (Con, Harrow East): 'Who's the liability?' That drew Cabinet laughter – more than was entirely healthy for Ms Reeves. She grimaced and blinked, momentarily thrown. In the middle of the crowded Commons cockpit, faces craning at her from all sides, she was not so much a figure reduced as a figure that has never exuded complete authority. The birdlet that has never fully flapped its wings. Save perhaps in those first days after the general election, her Chancellorship has yet to have its time of pomp. Will it ever? Behind her throughout the statement sat a ministerial aide, Becky Gittins (Lab, Clwyd East), looking exceptionally glum. When you hope to project confidence and political pzazz, you really don't want a wet dishcloth like Ms Gittins in shot behind you. Ennui was evident elsewhere. To the back of the chamber Rachel Taylor (Lab, North Warwickshire) sat initially with pen poised over notebook, to write down all the thrilling announcements. The pen was soon lowered. 'Bozo' Bill Esterson (Lab, Sefton Central) peered into the foggy middle-distance. A woman possibly from Linlithgow chewed gum. At the far end of the House, Toby Perkins (Lab, Chesterfield) rested his Flintstones chin on one paw. He may well have been dreaming of his nosebag. This spending review had been so heavily pre-briefed that when it came to the parliamentary delivery, dramatic jeopardy was absent. There was no tingle of the unknown, no excitement, no danger. This matters not simply because it spoils the event as performance art. It matters because it robs a chancellor of the aura of power. Everyone knew what was coming. There was little sense that these announcements were in Ms Reeves's personal gift. She was merely a reporter of outcomes. Beside her sat Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones, clasping and unclasping his fingers. He had taken his place a minute before the start of PMQs, which preceded the statement, and for a few moments his cabinet colleagues did not make room for him. Perhaps they have come to dislike poor Darren in recent days. He very nearly sat on top of that human porcupine Bridget Phillipson. She glowered. But then, she always does. Ms Reeves's 45-minute statement – pretty long for a spending review – was contained within a slender red folder. She wore a sage-green trouser suit. Gulping from a water glass, she held her scissored hair out of the way, to stop it becoming wet. In her first paragraph she deployed the old '£22billion black hole' line of blame on the Tories. It generated little reaction from the benches behind her. A blunt axe. The only moment Labour MPs gave a spontaneous, feral roar of approval was when she mentioned, once again, the tax hit on independent schools. Class war still works for the Starmer party, even though many of its MPs, like the PM himself, attended fee-paying schools. Other passages garnered merely Opposition derision: claims such as 'we are renewing Britain' and 'we are starting to see the results'. At PMQs, a Labour doctor had rhapsodised about the therapeutic benefits of laughter. By that gauge, the endorphins should have been zooming everywhere. Nigel Farage (Ref, Clacton) was singled out for two attacks by the Chancellor. A squad of beery-looking Labour blokes – Gateshead's Ferguson, Hartlepool's Brash, Chatham's Osborne and that fidgety Woodcock from Banbury – booed and jeered the Reform contingent. Could have been at a football match. Ellie Reeves, minister without portfolio, watched sister Rachel closely and did much twitching. Mel Stride, for the Tories, made the customary response. Tax rises were inevitable, he feared. He may also have called Ms Reeves 'a cork bobbing on the waves' but I can not swear to it, such was the wall of Labour noise. They are good at screaming, at least.
