Latest News Items

Durham Laboratory Closes

Durham County Council have decided to close the Durham Public Analyst Laboratory. After 56 years working on behalf of consumers in the north east of England the last day of operations was 30th June 2011. All except one member of staff have been made redundant.

Records show that their have been only four County Analysts employed in Durham. The laboratory was set up by Mr Joe Markland in 1955 who appointed as his deputy shortly after opening Mr Frank C Shenton. Frank became the County Analyst in 1965 and was succeeded by John Vallance in 1982. Alan Richards was appointed in 1993. A history of the laboratory is in preparation and will be published soon.

Commenting on the closure Dr Duncan Campbell, President of the Association of Public Analysts, said

 "This is a sad day for the profession. Joe Markland and Alan Richards, together with Norman Michie who also worked in Durham, are Past Presidents of the Association. Staff in Durham have provided a high quality service and have made a significant contribution to advancements in enforcement analysis. As with other laboratory closures the decision has been taken for local reasons and the loss of experience, capability and capacity will not be replaced, weakening the UK's Official Food and Feed Control system”.

West Yorkshire Analytical Services becomes RSC Partner

West Yorkshire Analytical Services has joined Public Analyst Laboratories in Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow in becoming part of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Partnership Programme. 

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Review of the Food Safety (Sampling & Qualifications) Regulations 1990

These Regulations specify the qualifications necessary to be a public analyst, food analyst or food examiner for the purposes of the Food Safety Act 1990.

They prohibit specified persons from carrying out analyses or examinations. They also specify the procedures to be followed when a sample has been procured under that Act for analysis or examination, and exclude from these procedures samples taken under Regulations which have their own procedures. They prescribe the form of certificate to be used by analysts and examiners in making their reports.

The Food Standards Agency has been considering a review of these Regulations for some years. Prior to a formal review it is currently holding a preliminary review. To read the letter outlining this and details of where to respond to click here. Responses are requested by the 24th June 2011. The APA will be submitting a response.

Edinburgh Food Examiners Find Cause of Salmonella Outbreak

Recently food examiners at Edinburgh Scientific Services played a key role in solving a sporadic outbreak of Salmonella bareilly across the UK which affected at least 250 people.

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GSS Promote Careers in Science

Glasgow Scientific Services staff have recently been involved in the promotion of science careers throughout Scotland’s schools. In partnership with Learning and Teaching Scotland, a series of job activities and role profile videos were taken with starring roles from staff across the section, including our modern apprentices and school placement students from Springburn Academy, Glasgow.

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