Food Analyst
- Regulators
-
- Food Standards Scotland
- Scottish Ministers
- Nations
-
- Scotland
- Sectors
-
- Science
Regulatory or professional bodies
Primary regulator
- Regulatory authority
- Food Standards Scotland
- Address
-
4th Floor, Pilgrim House
Aberdeen
AB11 5RL - Email address
- enquiries@fss.scot
- Phone number
- +44 (0)1224 285 100
Oversight body
- Regulatory authority
- Scottish Ministers
- Address
-
Scottish Government, St. Andrew's House, Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG - Email address
- ceu@gov.scot
- Website
- https://www.gov.scot
- Phone number
- +44 (0)3002 444 000
Regulation
Regulation summary
Under the Food Safety Act (1990), Food Analysts (FAs) in Scotland are regulated by Scottish Ministers. FAs are responsible for examining food as part of official controls to ensure businesses are complying with food safety law in Scotland.
Regulation type
Reserved activities
Food Analysts will examine food as part of official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law. Food Analysts will also provide advice to sampling officers on:
• sampling policy and the sampling programme
• transport
• quality
• test selection
• interpretation of results
Food Analysts will also support Sampling Officers on the preparation of materials for prosecutions.
- More about regulated activities and titles
- https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/publications-and-research/scientists-and-researchers/professions-regulated-by-food-standards-scotland
Qualifications and experience
New professionals
- Routes to qualification
-
To become a qualified Food Analyst in the UK, you must possess a Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA) awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
For more information on how to apply for the MChemA qualification and be eligible for appointment as a Food Analyst, please refer to 'Qualifications needed to become a Public Analyst' and 'Application process to become a Public Analyst' outlined on FSS website. There is no alternative process for those with overseas qualifications and there are no fees payable to FSS.
When you have successfully completed the application process, the MChemA qualification will be awarded by the MChemA Examinations Board. Following the award of the MChemA and nomination by a local authority, you may practise as a Food Analyst. There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as a Food Analyst in Scotland.
Professionals from other UK nations
- Routes to recognition within the UK
-
The required qualifications are the same in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The FSS regulates Food Analysts in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. The FSA and DHSC Secretary of State regulates Food Analysts for Wales, the FSA and Department of Health (Northern Ireland) regulates Food Analysts in Northern Ireland.
Professionals from outside the UK
- Recognition for professionals outside the UK
- None - all professionals must re-qualify
- Summary of routes
-
To become qualified to practice as a Food Analyst in the UK, you must:
(1) possess a Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA) awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
(2) have carried out examination of food in a Public Analyst’s laboratory in the UK, or other laboratory concerned with relevant food.If you do not possess these qualifications, you may not practice as a Food Analyst.
Registration
- Registration requirements
-
Food Analysts are expected to record and maintain their continuous professional development (CPD). The RSC offers a free CPD recording tool for members to keep track of development. Alternatively, if the MChemA holder is a member of the APA, the APA CPD scheme can be used to record professional development.
Visit the RSC website to access their free CPD recording tool in the 'Member's Area'.
- More about registration
- https://www.rsc.org/careers?e=1
Legislation
- Title of relevant act or charter
-
The Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) (Scotland) Regulations 2013
- Website link to legislation
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2013/84/contents
- Title of relevant act or charter
-
Food Safety Act 1990
- Website link to legislation
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/16/introduction