Key messages
- An authorised analyst is a person authorised to carry out analyses for the purposes of the Food Act 1984 (the Act).
- Analysts test food samples taken by Victorian Councils to ensure that food is safe and suitable for consumption and has been handled correctly.
- A certificate of analysis, signed by an authorised analyst, can stand alone as sufficient evidence in a prosecution taken against a food business under the Act.
Safe Food Victoria may authorise appropriately qualified persons to carry out analyses for the purposes of the Food Act 1984 (the Act), the list of authorised analysts in Victoria is provided below.
The roles and responsibilities of authorised analysts are set out under section 31 of the Act. The primary responsibility is to test food samples taken in accordance with the Act by local council environmental health officers.
Analysts must be suitably qualified but must also have the ability to determine the appropriate analyses to be conducted on any food submitted, and to interpret and report the results in terms of compliance with Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) or the Act. This requires a sound knowledge of the requirements set out in the Code, and the requirements and offences set out in the Act.
Authorised analysts play an important role in monitoring the safety, composition and truth in labelling of foods. Analyses are conducted to determine compliance with the Act and the Code.
Tests may include an assessment of:
- food handling practices
- microbiological safety
- chemical residue levels
- compliance with the mandatory declaration of allergens
- composition, including the accuracy of label statements or claims (for example, nutrition information or ingredient lists)
- a consumer complaint that a food is unsafe or contaminated
Applying to be authorised as an analyst
For information about how to apply for authorisation to be a food analyst, please contact Safe Food Victoria.
Authorised analysts in Victoria list
SFV maintains a list of analysts authorised to carry analyses for the purposes of the Food Act 1984. To obtain a copy of the list of authorised food analysts for Victoria to contact SFV (contact@safefood.vic.gov.au)
Updated