Synopses & Reviews
Over the last 150 years, the Public Analyst profession has hidden its light under a bushel, with the notable exception of Fredrick Accum, one of the first Public Analysts who published the names and addresses of food adulterers, this group of chemists has quietly protected the public from food fraud and adulteration. Using their forensic skills to find traces of poison and other deleterious materials in our food and guiding the Courts and legal profession through complex scientific evidence, it has undersold itself to the public. It is time to tell their story with this collection of memoirs from many practising and retired Public Analysts. Their accounts of samples submitted to them, how they analysed them, and the tales that unfolded, make for a fascinating insight into the field. This is a timely publication, as funding for this area continues to fall, to the concern of many not just in the UK but throughout Europe. Yet, whilst food adulteration may not be as rife as it was 150 years ago, food fraud and adulteration is now on a global scale with improved communications, the fear of adulteration is probably larger than ever. This funding position does not sit well alongside levels of public interest that have never been higher in food, science in general, and forensic science. And yet research is still needed to find future strategies to maintain a vital service to protect the public and it is important to raise the profile of the role of the Public Analyst, now more than ever, This book, which is not intended as a text book but as a light read, will achieve this aim while simply telling the stories of a collection of Public Analysts, things they have found in food and other materials and their memoirs and anecdotes. It will appeal to those who watch programmes such as Crime Scene Investigation and anyone with an interest in forensic science and science in general.
Synopsis
For 150 years, public analysts have quietly protected the public from food fraud and adulteration. In the wake of recent high-profile cases such as Chinese baby milk scandal, this book collects the fascinating memoirs of both practising and retired analysts.
Synopsis
A light read into forensic science outlining the history and role of Public Analysts and containing memoirs and anecdotes from their laboratories.
Synopsis
Over the last 150 years, public analysts have quietly protected us from food adulteration and fraud. Using their forensic skills to detect poison and guiding the courts through complex scientific evidence, food analysts have undersold themselves to the public. It is time to tell their story with this collection of memoirs from practicing and retired experts. Their accounts of the samples submitted to them, how they analysed them, and the tales that unfolded, make for a fascinating insight into the field. With funding in this area falling, this is a timely publication. Although food adulteration is less common, it is now on a global scale and public fears have never been higher. Research is still needed to maintain this vital service and this book should help preserve the safety of the profession for decades to come.
About the Author
150 Years of Public Analysts"
Forensic Enforcement: The Role of The Public Analyst
Glenn Taylor
RSC Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2010, 91pp, (SB) ISBN 978-1-84755-871-8"
Reviewed by D. Thorburn Burns
This is a most timely book as it celebrates the 150th anniversary of the passing of the"Act for preventing adulteration of articles of food and drink in 1860 which established the post of public analyst. Then, as now, a major role of the holders of these posts concerns the protection the public from food fraud and adulteration. However, their forensic analytical skills as expert witnesses also apply to many other materials additional to food and drink about which the courts and legal profession require guidance."
The text starts with a brief history of adulteration and falsifications from biblical times. The account of more recent and current times is based on material from retired and practising public analysts. The tales that unfold give numerous fascinating accounts from sampling to analysis, data interpretation and of the arts of presentation of complex scientific evidence in court.
A number of important and significant cases are outlined. For example, whilst the duty of every expert witness is to the court, no matter which side has commissioned their work, it is rare for a single expert to give evidence both for the prosecution and defence in a criminal trial, as happened in a case of alleged industrial sabotage with a food allergen. The case on insect contaminated dates summarises some nice exchanges between an astute public analyst and a barrister, which exemplifies the important principle, 'where there is no standard; legal, statute, or whatever, it is the duty of the public analyst to put a standard to the court for the court to consider'. The book illustrates the range of analytical methodologies, from optical microscopy to DNA technologies, now available for the examination of food and drink and makes an excellent case for enhanced investment in the sector.""
The book should be essential reading for all trading standards officers and their trainees, the chief executives of all local and regional authorities and Members of Parliament. Practising chemists will enjoy this book as well as get a gentle introduction to the fascinations of modern analytical science."
Chemistry World. 2010. 7(12), p.p.50
Table of Contents
A very brief history of food adulteration; Interesting methods of analysis and issues facing early Public Analysts; Anecdotal stories of work undertaken; Evidence based stories with images and details of Court appearances; Summary chapter