What do Public Analysts do ?

Food

Public Analysts can give advice on the most appropriate analysis to be carried on a sample and, where applicable, interpret the results within a legal framework. They can also draw comparisons with opinion expressed by expert committees, the Food Standards Agency, LACORS and/or trade associations.

Agriculture

Most Public Analysts also hold appointments as Agricultural Analysts under The Agriculture Act 1970. This role requires knowledge of animal and plant nutritional requirements in order to assess if any non-compliance is prejudicial to the purchaser.

Factory Inspections

Many Trading Standards Officers have found that a Public Analyst's technical expertise enables them to make a valuable contribution to factory inspections. On occasions Eurofins Public Analysts have been asked to lead the inspection.

Consumer Protection

Whilst the appointment of Public Analysts is a legal requirement only for food analysis many Public Analysts also have expertise in other fields of consumer protection such as childrens’ toys, cosmetics and other consumer goods.

Labelling Advice

Public Analysts are experts on food labelling requirements and can give advice on how foods should be labelled for the UK market. Small and medium sized manufacturers often seek advice from their local trading standards department as to how their product should be labelled and many Trading Standards Officers find it helpful to discuss this with their public analyst.

Technical Advice

Local authorities are sometime approached by manufacturers for assistance with technical problems relating to their product - (Why is my jam going mouldy? Why are my sausages going off so quickly?) This is also an area where the technical expertise of the Public Analyst can be of assistance.