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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
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

Licence

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.


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

Title of relevant act or charter

Food Safety Act 1990

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.