Food Standards Scotland manages the SFSD, a central database of food and feed sample results from local authorities. The database gathers results from food and feed samples taken by local authorities and tested in official laboratories across Scotland. Sampling is carried out on products available in Scotland for surveillance and monitoring purposes, as well as for enforcement, investigation and the prevention of food crime.
The database includes results of:
- microbiological examination
- chemical testing (including nutritional, contaminants, authenticity and allergen testing)
- labelling analysis
How is the database used?
The SFSD is used by Food Standards Scotland, enforcement authorities, and laboratories to find data, spot trends, and guide sampling and interventions. We review the data yearly to identify food safety, labelling, and composition issues, and publish an annual report.
Local authorities use the database to plan sampling and surveillance activities, making sure their activities match local food business profiles while supporting authorised officers during their routine food safety and food standards inspections. Effective sampling plans are important components of each food safety enforcement toolkit.