European Commission Inspectors Visit Glasgow Scientific Services Laboratory

As part of a national UK inspection programme, inspectors from the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the European Commission recently visited the laboratories of Glasgow Scientific Services. The FVO plays an important role for the Commission, ensuring that Community legislation on food safety is properly implemented and enforced. This particular inspection focussed on food hygiene, traceability, labelling and bottled water.

The inspectors assessed the laboratory’s management structure, quality system and analytical processes and procedures to check on compliance with the requirements of EU food safety and quality. Of particular interest to the inspectors was the microbiological and chemical analysis of bottled water and the processes associated with sampling, submission, laboratory examination, analysis and reporting.

Inspectors Martin Minjajev and Pilar Gumma Solernou were accompanied by senior representatives from The Food Standards Agency Scotland.

The findings of each inspection carried out under the programme will be set out in an inspection report, together with conclusions and recommendations.

Initial reports from The Food Standards Agency Scotland indicated that at the closing meeting, the inspectors were very pleased with what they had seen during their week in the UK, and particularly mentioned the high standard and competency of staff involved.