Issue - meetings

The Committee resolved :-

(i)            to note the work being undertaken to implement and develop the recommendations of the 2020 UKAS re-assessment report, following a remote assessment carried out between the 28th February and 19th March 2020;

(ii)          to endorse the continuation of accreditation as a license to operate;

(iii)         to acknowledge and congratulate the Aberdeen Scientific Services Laboratory (ASSL) in its inclusion in the international Food Authenticity Network; and

(iv)         to note the challenges to the retention and recruitment of staff.

The Committee had before it the report from the Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services which presented an update on the status of UKAS accreditation and the progress of recommendations of assessment of the Aberdeen Scientific Services Laboratory (ASSL).

The Convener advised members that the ASSL had become part of the international Food Authenticity Network and was now included in the Network’s list of organisations having a general proficiency in food authenticity testing across a range of scientific techniques and food commodities and sought Members acknowledgement and congratulations.

Members heard an overview of the report from the Public Analyst who highlighted the journey to accreditation and explained some of the challenges to he continued success of the ASSL, which included retention and recruitment of staff.

The report recommended :-

that the Committee –

(a)          note the work being undertaken to implement and develop the recommendations of the 2020 UKAS re-assessment report, following a remote assessment carried out between 28 February and 19 March 2020; and

(b)          endorse the continuation of accreditation as a license to operate

The Committee resolved :-

(i)            to approve the recommendations;

(ii)          to acknowledge and congratulate the Aberdeen Scientific Services Laboratory (ASSL) on its inclusion in the international Food Authenticity Network; and

(iii)         to note the challenges to the retention and recruitment of staff.

-       COUNCILLOR JENNIFER STEWART, CONVENER