Directory Of Food Safety Laboratory Services Foreword

General Description of Public Analyst’s Laboratories

Public Analysts hold statutory responsibilities under Food Legislation, and head Official Food Control Laboratories responsible for surveillance of food safety and standards. The scientific testing of foodstuffs undertaken by staff in their laboratories underpins public health and enforcement of consumer protection. Chemical analysis (along with physical tests & microscopic examination) is carried out on a wide range of foodstuffs submitted to the laboratory primarily by environmental health officers & consumers but also by hospitals, other state agencies and industry. The Dublin laboratory also provides a microbiological food testing service.

Food samples are taken by environmental health officers at various stages of the food chain, from production to retail, and submitted to the labs. The tests to be carried out depend on the particular food, statutory provisions and past history of problems. In broad terms, the type of testing may be subdivided into:

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  Contaminant/residue/toxin analysis;
  
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  Food additive analysis ;
  
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  Compositional analysis ;
  
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  Food complaints;
  
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  Labelling & nutritional verification;
  
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  Food alerts/incidences;
  
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  Private contract work.
  

St. Finbarr's Hospital

Douglas Rd

Cork