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Protecting the Public
The Association of Public Analysts (also known as the APA) is the professional body for the highly-skilled scientists who make up the front-line of the UK’s public protection service. The Public Analyst works to ensure the health and safety of the public in relation to food, animal feed, water, environmental matters and consumer protection.
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Working in Partnership
The Association of Public Analysts works hand in hand with protection and enforcement bodies such as the Fire Service, Trading Standards, Environmental Health and the Food Standards Agency. These bodies work together to ensure the safety and protection of everyone in the UK. The APA also works with schools and community groups to raise awareness and understanding of public protection issues.
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Rigorous, in-depth Training
Keeping the public safe requires professionals with the highest level of training and qualification. Once qualified, public analysts must maintain their skills and competencies to ensure they are in an informed position to respond to emerging issues. The APA has a strong focus on training and organises a range of training activities for practising public analysts and those training to join the profession.
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History and Heritage
The Association of Public Analysts traces its origins back to the 19th century when laws were first introduced in the UK to combat the growing problem of food fraud and adulteration. The requirement for local authorities to appoint an analyst was enshrined in The Adulteration of Food and Drink Act 1860 and the need for a professional association to represent these analysts and to maintain high standards in the profession was recognised.
Headlines
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Public Analyst's results help secure £1.6m proceeds of crime order against teeth whitening traders
Welsh Public Analysts "Minton Treharne & Davies" have been involved in the assessment and testing of the tooth whitening products, and provided supporting Statements of Witness in a case where three members of a Cheshire-based family were prosecuted for selling unsafe teeth whitening products. After a three-year nationwide investigation by Powys County Council, the family have been ordered to pay back £1.6m that they made from their criminality of face prison. The teeth whitening products did not comply with safety laws and were unsafe due to harmful levels of hydrogen peroxide, with one victim receiving hospital treatment for burns after using a product. Tests showed the product to contain 11% hydrogen peroxide – some 110 times the legal limit for products that are sold directly to consumers.
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What we do - Making it crystal clear
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Putting things in Perspective
The day to day work carried out by the members of the APA has a direct effect on our daily lives — from the food that we eat to the air we breathe, from checking the safety of children's toys to providing a frontline emergency response unit for chemical leaks.
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Case studies
View some recent case studies of work carried out by members of the APA showcasing the diverse range of instances where our members get involved.
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Job Vacancies
Tender Opportunities
Latest News
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West Yorkshire Loses its Public Analyst Laboratory
01 June 2018 -
PASS appoints Michelle Evans as newest team member
23 May 2018 -
Successful prosecution against man who claimed to cure cancer with food.
24 April 2018 -
Public Analysts’ Reports – Then and Now
28 March 2018 -
Closure of Staffordshire Scientific Services
27 March 2018
