-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
.png)
APA Lab helps expose bleach being sold as a "cure" for Coronavirus
Analysis by the Public Analyst at Kent Scientific Services found that a Coronavirus "cure" being marketed by vendors in the UK contained potentially dangerous levels of chemicals that could cause adverse health effects. The products were described as MMS (Miracle Mineral Solutions) and it was claimed that a drop of each could be put into food to cure various illnesses including Covid. One combination was around 20% Sodium Chlorite and 50% Citric Acid and the other was 20% Sodium Chlorite and 4% Hydrochloric Acid.
Read more
What we do - Making it crystal clear
-
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.
Find out more -
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.
Find out more
Job Vacancies
-
Operational Manager - Public Analyst with Edinburgh Scientific Services
An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead Scientific Services chemistry and microbiology laboratories which generate income for the Council and deliver the statutory Public Analyst and Agricultural Analyst reporter functions to nine local authorities. As a motivated leader you will drive forward customer service, continuous improvement and initiate new commercialisation opportunities. As a city of culture Edinburgh has much to offer to balance the exciting challenge of this unique role.
View all career opportunities
Tender Opportunities
Latest News
-
New British Standard – Plant Based Foods
23 July 2020 -
High Achievers at Glasgow Scientific Services
07 July 2020 -
Glasgow PA Laboratory Producing Hand Sanitiser For Front Line Workers
17 April 2020 -
Food Standards Scotland Publish Sampling Activity Audit Report
05 March 2020 -
Minton Treharne & Davies Ltd Public Analyst involved in prosecution of takeaway whose ‘lamb curry’
19 February 2020
