Analytical Laboratory
The Service’s laboratory at Gadsby Street, Bedford contributes to this function by testing
food, electrical appliances, toys etc to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
In food analysis, most of the laboratory’s work involves testing food to check for compliance
with the Food Labelling Regulations. The main compositional components of interest are fat,
protein, carbohydrate and energy.
Other tests relate to food safety issues – microbial quality of food and the level of
mycotoxins such as aflatoxins in food.
The Safety laboratory has a full range of electrical safety testing instruments to test
electrical tools and appliances to the relevant British and International standards.
Toys are tested for compliance with the European Standard BS EN 71 and the Toy
Safety Regulations.
The laboratory is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service to the
International standard ISO17025 and works closely with the Service’s Enforcement
Officers to ensure the people of Bedfordshire can be confident in the knowledge that
what they are buying is safe and aptly described.
Copyright © Bedfordshire County Council Trading Standards Service 2007