Tougher code for banks is open to abuse
Article Abstract:
The new banking code of practice, unveiled on 14 September 1998, has already received criticism. A main thrust of the code is to eliminate the use of obsolete accounts. This is when banks do not notify existing customers of new savings accounts with better rates of interest. The new code states that rates on existing accounts must be raised in line with new 'similar' accounts and with other accounts customers must be notified and given the opportunity to convert their savings. However, the code has come under criticism for leaving loopholes that banks could exploit. Terms of new accounts could be manipulated so that they are not similar to existing accounts. The chief executive of the Nationwide, Brian Davis, said that the rules legitimised the use of obsolete accounts. By simply writing to customers banks can justify a policy which is wrong in principle.
Comment:
UK: New banking code of practice unveiled on 9/14/98 receives criticism
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Non-stick ketchup runs out of the lab
Article Abstract:
For the first time ever, Magnetic Resonanace Imaging (MRI) techniques, traditionally used for body scanning, are being employed in the UK to investigate food and fluids by examining what happens to them in the mouth in order to create more healthy foods and diets. The team of scientists led by Professor Laurie Hall at the Cambridge based Herchel Smith Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry are looking at how food breaks up in the mouth to develop a tomato ketchup that can pour without sticking and a low-fat margarine, which tastes like butter, and could be available within two years. The idea behind the new foods is to create the same pattern to ensure the sane texture or "mouth-feel" of the product using both MRI and other experiments involving pushing food through pipes.
Comment:
UK: Magnetic Resonanace Imaging techniques, usually used for body scanning, are being employed to investigate food & fluids
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Range of nasties identified in fast-food
Article Abstract:
A new report by "Health Which?" found unsatisfactory levels of bacteria in different types of convenience food. It carried out tests on 40 burgers, 35 portions of chips, 25 pieces of fried chicken, 30 doner kebabs and 20 pizza slices. Many were found to contain high levels of food-poisoning bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Other results pointed to poor food hygiene controls with the presence of a type of bacteria known as coliforms.
Comment:
UK: A new report by Health Which? findsd unsatisfactory levels of bacteria in different types of convenience food
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
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