The Consumers' Association published an article from Bob Stevens, the immediate Past President of the APA, in "Consumer Policy Review" (Volume 12, Number 6, Pages 211 to 216 published December 2002). The Article outlines problems with the utilisation of the Public Analysts Service and the risks to the future of the food analysis service in the UK. The full article, in pdf format, may be obtained by following this link. (Adobe^® Acrobat^® Reader is necessary to access the article). An abstract is given below.

The article is reproduced by kind permission of the Consumers' Association and Consumer Policy Review magazine.

Abstract

"Public Analysts have played a pivotal role in food control and consumer protection for nearly 150 years. Yet, the profession is now under threat, as years of financial neglect and an absence of clear strategic direction undermine its work. Since the EU expects Member States to have highly competent and well-resourced food control bodies, the problem must be addressed. Public Analysts, local authorities and the FSA must get round the table and draw up a clear plan of action with agreed and appropriate levels of funding."