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Important Update: New Laboratory Services from 30th June 2025

[OFFICIAL]

Dear Agents,

We wish to formally advise all stakeholders that from Monday 30th June 2025, our Official Laboratory services will transition to a new service provider. This change includes the introduction of a dedicated courier service to support sample collection and transportation.


Please note: This laboratory provision relates to chemical and contaminants testing. Microbiological sample analysis is excluded from this contract and will continue to be provided under existing arrangements.

While we are working closely with the new provider to ensure a smooth and efficient transition, we kindly ask for your understanding during this period. As with any significant service change, there may be some initial minor disruptions as systems and processes bed in. Our teams will continue to monitor operations closely and address any issues that may arise promptly.

Anticipated Laboratory Results Timeframes
The table below outlines the expected turnaround times for laboratory results under the new service. These timeframes are calculated from the point at which samples are received by the laboratory. While every effort is made to meet these targets, it should be noted that turnaround times are indicative and may occasionally be affected by factors outside of our control.

Product Category Analysis Estimated Result Reported
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Pesticides (Regulation 2019/1793) Within 24 hours
Frozen Fruit and Vegetables Pesticides (Regulation 2019/1793) Within 48 hours
Shelf-stable Products (e.g. Tea; Vine Leaves in Brine) Pesticides (Regulation 2019/1793) 5 working days or sooner
Sesame Seeds, Frozen Vegetables, Dried Spices Ethylene Oxide (Regulation 2019/1793) 5 working days or sooner
Farmed Fish Pesticides 5 working days or sooner
Nuts and Products Mycotoxins (Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin) 5 working days or sooner
Spices and Products Mycotoxins (Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin) 5 working days or sooner
Chinese Rice and Rice Products (China) GMO 7 working days or sooner
Guar Gum PCP

5 working days or sooner

All Foods (including Sweets, Soft Drinks, Snacks) Additives (e.g. Colours, Preservatives, Sweeteners)

5 working days or sooner

Confectionery Safety Assessment (Konjac)

5 working days or sooner

Animal Products incl. Fishery Products Heavy Metals

5 working days or sooner

Fish and Fishery Products Histamine

5 working days or sooner

Meat, Fish, Basmati Rice

Authenticity (DNA Speciation)

5 working days or sooner

Honey Authenticity

5 working days or sooner

All Foods Allergens (undeclared)

5 working days or sooner

Smoked Foods (e.g. Smoked Fish) PAHs

5 working days or sooner

Fish and Fishery Products Polyphosphates

5 working days or sooner

Herbs and Spices, Fish and Fishery Products, Frogs’ Legs Irradiation

5 working days or sooner

Melamine Kitchenware Formaldehyde Migration

5 working days or sooner

Nylon Kitchen Items Primary Aromatic Amines Migration

5 working days or sooner

Fish and Fishery Products, Meat Dioxins and Dioxin-like PCBs

5 working days or sooner

Apricot Kernels Hydrocyanic Acid

5 working days or sooner

Dried Fruits Sulphites

5 working days or sooner

Noodles Aluminium

5 working days or sooner

Palm Oil Illegal Dyes (Sudan Dyes)

5 working days or sooner

Preserved/Pickled Turnips Rhodamine B

5 working days or sooner

Mushrooms; Berries Caesium-137 (Chernobyl)

Within 48 hours


We remain committed to maintaining high standards of service and will continue to provide updates as the transition progresses. Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact us via port.health@scpha.gov.uk.

We thank all stakeholders for their cooperation and understanding during this period of change.

 

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