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We are responsible for regulating professions either directly or on behalf of Scottish Ministers to ensure food in Scotland is safe.
Slaughterer in FSS approved slaughterhouses
Retained (EU) Regulation 1099/2009 (Article 7) requires that killing of animals and related operations should only be carried out by individuals with the appropriate level of competence. This means that slaughter operations can only be carried out by a person holding a Certificate of Competence (CoC), either full or temporary.
Access Retained (EU) Regulation 1099/2009 (Article 7).
We have a legal obligation to appoint slaughterers/animal handlers in Scotland and are enabled to issue full and temporary CoCs. These certificates show the species on which the slaughterer/animal handler may perform operations, as well as the equipment they are able to use and the types of operations they may perform.
Qualifications and application process to become a Slaughterer
To be entitled to practise as a slaughterer and apply for a full CoC the candidate must undergo specific training and pass an assessment.
There is no alternative process for those with overseas qualifications. A £25 fee to apply for a full CoC is payable to FSS.
Access our guidance on slaughter licensing for more information on how to obtain a CoC.
According to available information, between April 2021 to April 2022, 188 individuals applied for the temporary CoC to become entitled to practice as a slaughterer in Scotland. 122 individuals gained full CoC licences and entitlement to practise. Of those 122 granted recognition, individuals had varying qualifications and experience as no experience is required to apply for entitlement to practice.
Slaughterers are not expected to record and maintain their continuous professional development (CPD) or meet continuous education requirements.
Public Analysts
Under the Food Safety Act (1990), Public Analysts in Scotland are regulated by Scottish Ministers. Public Analysts are responsible for performing chemical analyses on food to ensure businesses are complying with food safety law in Scotland.
Access the Food Safety Act (1990).
Read about food safety law in Scotland.
Qualifications needed to become a Public Analyst
To become a qualified Public Analyst in the UK you must have a Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA) awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
To apply for the MChemA qualification and be eligible for appointment as a Public Analyst, the candidate needs to:
- be an associate of the RSC when they start the MChemA process. The candidate will need to be member or fellow of the RSC by the time they apply for Part C of the application process
- have carried out examination of food in a Public Analyst’s laboratory in the UK, or other laboratory concerned with relevant food, environment, and agricultural analysis
Read about associate members of the RSC.
Read about members of the RSC.
Read about fellows of the RSC.
If you do not meet the above criteria, then you are not eligible to obtain an MChemA qualification and will not be able to practise as a Public Analyst in the UK. RSC ensure degrees awarded from overseas are equivalent to UK qualifications through the ENIC (the UK national agency for international qualifications and skills). There is no alternative process for those with overseas qualifications and there are no fees payable to FSS.
Visit the ENIC website for more information.
Candidates applying for MChemA may not have all the experience required to become a Public Analyst. In this case, they may also need formal training. This could be in the form of seminars, courses, or laboratory secondments. The Association of Public Analysts (APA) organises training courses and publishes training guides to support MChemA candidates.
Visit the Association of Public Analysts (APA) website for more information.
Application process to become a Public Analyst
The application process to become a PA typically takes around 4 years. Any fees incurred are payable to the RSC.
To apply, the candidate requires:
- an up to date CV
- an internal and an external counsellor
- a pass on Part A, Part B and Part C examinations
- a portfolio of evidence
Visit the RSC website for more information on how to apply.
When candidates have successfully completed the application process, the MChemA qualification will be awarded by the MChemA Examinations Board. Following the award of the MChemA and appointment by a local authority, the individual may practise as a Public Analyst. There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as a PA.
According to available information, since January 2020 1 individual was appointed to practice as a Public Analyst by a Local Authority in Scotland. The individual had an undergraduate degree and held the MChemA.
Public Analysts are expected to record and maintain their continuous professional development (CPD). The RSC offers a free CPD recording tool for members to keep track of development. Alternatively, if the MChemA holder is a member of the APA, the APA CPD scheme can be used to record professional development.
Visit the RSC website to access their free CPD recording tool in the 'Member's Area'.
Food Analysts
Under the Food Safety Act (1990), Food Analysts (FAs) in Scotland are regulated by Scottish Ministers. FAs are responsible for examining food as part of official controls to ensure businesses are complying with food safety law in Scotland.
Read about food safety law in Scotland.
Qualifications and application process to become a Food Analyst
To become a qualified Food Analyst in the UK, you must possess a Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA) awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
For more information on how to apply for the MChemA qualification and be eligible for appointment as a Food Analyst, please refer to 'Qualifications needed to become a Public Analyst' and 'Application process to become a Public Analyst' outlined above. There is no alternative process for those with overseas qualifications and there are no fees payable to FSS.
When candidates have successfully completed the application process, the MChemA qualification will be awarded by the MChemA Examinations Board. Following the award of the MChemA and nomination by a local authority, the individual may practise as a Food Analyst. There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as a Food Analyst.
According to available information, since January 2020, no individuals have been granted recognition to practice as a Food Analyst by a Local Authority in Scotland.
Food Analysts are expected to record and maintain their continuous professional development (CPD). The RSC offers a free CPD recording tool for members to keep track of development. Alternatively, if the MChemA holder is a member of the APA, the APA CPD scheme can be used to record professional development.
Visit the RSC website to access their free CPD recording tool in the 'Member's Area'.
Food Examiners
Under the Food Safety Act (1990), Food Examiners in Scotland are regulated by Scottish Ministers. Food Examiners are responsible for examining food as part of official controls to ensure businesses are complying with food safety law in Scotland.
Access the Food Safety Act (1990).
Read about food safety law in Scotland.
Qualifications and application process to become a Food Examiner
To become a qualified Food Examiner, you must have qualified as a food assessor before 05 April 2013, when the Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 came into effect. If you qualified as a food assessor after 05 April 2013, you must possess one of the qualifications listed below:
- a first-class degree (with honours) in microbiology
- a degree of Master of Science, provided that
- a Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA) awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
- a fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) gained after passing the Higher Specialist Diploma examination in medical microbiology set by the IBMS.
- fellowship or membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
- candidates must also have carried out examination of food for at least 3 years in total in an appropriate laboratory as listed Schedule 2 of Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) (Scotland) Regulations 2013. Time spent in a laboratory as an undergraduate does not count towards this requirement.
If you do not meet the above criteria, then you will not be able to practise as a food examiner in the UK. This is also the case for individuals with qualifications from overseas.
Access the Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) (Scotland) Regulations 2013.
Route A: Degree in microbiology or Master of Science
To be eligible to practise as a Food Examiner, the candidate must have either:
- a first-class degree (with honours) in microbiology
- a Master of Science, in which at least one examination paper was in microbiology and the degree was awarded following an examination rather than a thesis.
Degrees must be awarded by a body empowered to award degrees in the UK (in compliance with Section 214 of Education Reform Act 1988) or a university in a Member State of the European Union (EU).
In addition to the degree, candidates must also have carried out examination of food for at least 3 years in total in an appropriate laboratory and be nominated by a local authority, the individual may practise as a Food Analyst. There is no alternative process for those with overseas qualifications and there are no fees payable to FSS. There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as a Food Examiner.
Route B: Royal Society of Chemistry, Mastership of Chemical Analysis
To apply for the MChemA qualification and be eligible for appointment as an Food Examiner, please refer to the Qualifications needed to become a Public Analyst and Application process to become a Public Analyst outlined above. There is no alternative process for those with overseas qualifications and there are no fees payable to FSS.
When candidates have successfully completed the application process, the MChemA qualification will be awarded by the MChemA Examinations Board. In addition to the MChemA, candidates must have carried out practical examination of food in an appropriate laboratory, and be nominated by a local authority, before the individual may practise as a Food Examiner. There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as an Food Examiner.
Route C: Institute of Biological Science, Fellowship and Higher Specialist Diploma
To be eligible for appointment as a Food examiner through the Fellowship of the IBMS route, the candidate must hold an IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma (HSD) in medical microbiology. Fees incurred for undertaking the HSD are payable to the IBMS.
To be eligible to undertake the HSD, the candidate must be:
- registered to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- possess IBMS membership to Member or Fellow level throughout the application process
Candidates will be assessed in two parts:
Part A
Portfolio of Experiential Learning which includes
-
- personal professional profile
- case study and managerial report
- two essays based on titles published on the IBMS HSD website
- copy of oral PowerPoint presentation, with notes and feedback
- reflective statement
Part B
Written examinations consisting of four examination papers:
- generic essay
- discipline specific short answer questions
- discipline specific essay questions
- discipline specific case studies
The IBMS hosts Candidate Preparation events for those considering or undertaking the HSD. Events include presentations on completing the portfolio, examination techniques and workshops with examiners.
When candidates have successfully completed the IBMS HSD application process the qualification will awarded by the Examinations Board. The IBMS HSD holder may then apply for IBMS Fellowship.
Candidates must also have carried out examination of food for at least 3 years in total in an appropriate laboratory. There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as an Food Examiner.
Visit the IBMS website for more information on the Higher Specialist Diploma (HSD).
Visit the IBMS website for more information on IBMS fellowships.
Route D: Institute of Food Science and Technology, Membership and Fellowship (IFST)
To qualify for membership at IFST, the candidate must have either:
- post-secondary school qualification such as a foundation degree, undergraduate degree, or postgraduate degree (PhD or MSc) in a relevant subject (for example food science/ technology, or other science, technology, and engineering subjects)
- relevant experience demonstrating the continuous development of knowledge and skills through a wide range of employment within the food science and technology industry
To apply for membership at IFST, the candidate will need to provide a portfolio of evidence
- application form (if not already an IFST member)
- details of one referee
- current CV copy of highest qualification, for example degree certificate
Fees incurred for applying as a Member of IFST are payable to the IFST. In addition to IFST Membership, candidates must also have carried out examination of food for at least three years in total in an appropriate laboratory.
There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as an Food Examiner.
Visit the IFST website for more information on memberships.
To qualify for fellowship at IFST, the candidate must:
- meet the requirements for membership at IFST
- have at least 5 years of senior experience
- be able to demonstrate important achievements in relation to food science
To apply for fellowship, the candidate will need to provide a portfolio of evidence
- fellowship application form
- two referees
- current CV copy of highest qualification, for example degree certificate
Candidates must also have carried out examination of food for at least three years in total in an appropriate laboratory and be nominated by a local authority, the individual may practice as a Food Examiner. There is no alternative process for those with overseas qualifications and there are no fees payable to the FSA. There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as a Food Examiner.
Visit the IFST website for more information on fellowships.
According to available information, since January 2020 1 individual has been appointed to practice as a Food Examiner by Local Authorities in Scotland. Food Examiners are expected to record and maintain their continuous professional development (CPD). The RSC, the IFST and the IBMS offer a free CPD recording tool for members to keep track of development.
Agricultural Analysts
As part of the Agriculture Act 1970 and the Feed (Sampling and Analysis and Pacified Undesirable Substances) (Scotland) Regulations 2010, Agricultural Analysts are regulated by the Secretary of State for Scotland and appointed by Food Standards Scotland.
Qualifications and application process to become an Agricultural Analyst
To become a qualified Agricultural Analyst, you must:
- possess a Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA) or chartered Chemist status awarded by the RSC
- be a fellow or a member of the RSC
- have practical experience of examination of feed, attested by a practising Agricultural Analyst
- be appointed as an Agricultural Analyst by Food Standards Scotland
Route A: Royal Society of Chemistry, Mastership of Chemical Analysis
To apply for the MChemA qualification and be eligible for appointment as an Agricultural Analyst, please refer to the Qualifications needed to become a Public Analyst and Application process to become a Public Analyst outlined above. There is no alternative process for those with overseas qualifications and there are no fees payable to FSS.
When candidates have successfully completed the application process, the MChemA qualification will be awarded by the MChemA Examinations Board. In addition to the MChemA, candidates must have carried out practical examinations of feed, attested by a practicing Agricultural Analyst, and be appointed by FSS, before the individual may practise as an Agricultural Analyst. There is no further requirement or licence needed to lawfully practise as an AA.
Route B: Royal Society of Chemistry, Chartered Chemist status
To apply for Chartered Chemist status (CChem) and be eligible for appointment as an Agricultural Analyst, the candidate needs to:
- be a member or fellow of the RSC
- possess an RSC accredited master's level degree in chemical sciences or equivalent knowledge through other study and work experience.
- demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in chemical sciences used in current role
- be committed to continuing professional development
Visit the RSC website for more information on the Chartered Chemist (CChem) qualification.
Visit the RSC website for more information on memberships.
Visit the RSC website for more information on fellowships.
To apply, the candidate requires:
- an up-to-date CV
- a mentor to help the candidate with career development
- a referee to verify the candidate’s evidence as accurate. The referee can be the same person as the mentor
If you do not meet the above criteria, then you are not eligible to obtain Chartered Chemist Status and will not be able to practise as an Agricultural Analyst in the UK. This is also the case for individuals with qualifications from overseas. RSC ensure degrees awarded from overseas are equivalent to UK qualifications through the ENIC.
When candidates have successfully completed all aspects of the application process the qualification will be awarded by the RSC. In addition, candidates must have carried out practical examinations of feed, attested by a practising Agricultural Analyst, before they are entitled to practise as an Agricultural Analyst.
Since January 2020, four individuals have been appointed by FSS to practise as Agricultural Analysts.
Agricultural Analysts are expected to record and maintain their continuous professional development (CPD). The RSC offers a free CPD recording tool for members to keep track of development. Alternatively, Agricultural Analyst is a member of the APA, the APA CPD scheme can be used to record professional development.
Visit the RSC website to access their free CPD recording tool in the 'Member's Area'.
