About Us

The Dublin Public Analyst’s Laboratory (PAL) is an Official Food Control laboratory within the Health Service Executive (HSE). It is administered by the HSE Dublin/Mid-Leinster. The laboratory provides both a chemical and microbiological analytical service to the HSE Dublin /Mid Leinster and Dublin/North East which comprise the following counties:

Dublin , Kildare, Wicklow, Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan. This ambit can be referred to as the Eastern Region and is equivalent to a population of approximately 2 million.

In addition to the testing of foodstuffs, a substantial number of other sample types are analysed. These include water, biological, environmental and miscellaneous samples. Indeed water is a food ingredient and examination of potable water is an essential activity in official food control.

The Dublin PAL is unique amongst both PALs and the Official Food Microbiology Laboratories (OFMLs) in providing both chemical analysis and microbiological examination under one roof. This combination allows the laboratory to provide a comprehensive food safety and food quality analytical service. It also facilitates an all-inclusive water analytical service.

Accreditation

INAB Schedule of Accreditation

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The laboratory is accredited to International Standard ISO 17025 "General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories". This accreditation is awarded by the Irish National Accreditation Board who conducts an annual surveillance visit to the laboratory.

Accreditation is the formal recognition of a body’s competence to conduct a specific activity such as testing or certification. This recognition is based on a specific series of International and European standards. These standards address critical issues such as competence, impartiality and integrity.

Laboratory Quality System

A laboratory quality system is in operation which supports the managerial and technical requirements of the International Standard ISO 17025. An extensive internal audit programme is in place. This examines the work performed to ensure compliance with the quality system.

Laboratory Quality Policy

1. The management of the laboratory is committed to good professional practice and to the quality of the testing in providing a service to our customers.
2. Accreditation of the laboratory was awarded by the Irish National Accreditation Board in September 1998. The management of the laboratory is committed to maintaining and extending the scope of accreditation.
3. The objective of the quality system is to achieve and maintain a high standard of quality in all aspects of the work of the Laboratory.
4. It is the responsibility of all personnel concerned with testing activities within the laboratory to familiarise themselves with the quality documentation and to implement the policies and procedures in their work.
5. The management of the laboratory is committed to compliance with the International Standard ISO 17025 "General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories".

 

 

EU National Reference Laboratory

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Under Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004 EU Member States are required to designate National Reference Laboratories (NRL) for each Community Reference Laboratory referred to in Article 32 of the Regulation, as amended.

In 2006 this laboratory was appointed EU National Reference Laboratory for mycotoxins, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Food Contact Materials in foodstuffs. This is an important achievement for the laboratory and it is a recognition of our proven competence and expertise, which is due entirely to the high standard of work and dedication of our staff. 

The Cork Public Analyst Laboratory was appointed NRL for heavy metals.

The responsibilities of a NRL include:

In accordance with Article 33(2) of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004 each National Reference Laboratory, shall:

1. Collaborate with the Community reference laboratory in their area of competence;
2. Co-ordinate, for their area of competence, the activities of official laboratories responsible for the analysis of samples in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004.
3. Where appropriate, organise comparative tests between the official national laboratories and ensure an appropriate follow-up of such comparative testing;
4. Ensure the dissemination to the Authority and official national laboratories of information that the Community reference laboratory supplies;
5. Provide scientific and technical assistance to the Authority for the implementation of coordinated control plans adopted in accordance with Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004.
6. Be responsible for carrying out other specific duties introduced by the European Commission via the committee procedure referred to in Article 62(3) of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004, without prejudice to existing additional national duties.