Sampling

Sampling is a very important way to ensure that necessary public health standards are being maintained in the Bailiwick.  The department carries out both ongoing sampling programmes and seasonal regimes in a variety of areas within its remit.  Sampling can also carried out in response to the receipt of a food complaint or following a request from a member of the public (e.g. regarding a private water supply).

Depending on the nature of the sample the analysis may be carried out onsite (e.g. swimming pool sampling), sent to the States Analyst’s laboratory or even sent to an accredited laboratory off-island.

Sample results are compared against appropriate EU mandatory or guidelines values, where they exist, and action is taken appropriately.

General information regarding some of the sampling that is carried out by the department is included here although the department’s sampling regime is liable to change on a yearly basis.