Posted on Wednesday 4th May 2011
A team which carries out scientific analyses of materials from Saharan sand to top range perfume has won glowing praise from customers this week.
Staffordshire County Council’s scientific services team tests hundreds of materials and products for organisations from trading standards departments across the country to businesses wanting to launch new products.
Current projects include the testing of Saharan sand which is being analysed for cyanide levels by a national mining company; air from New Zealand being tested for pollution, high end perfume being tested for lead content to receive an official approval for sale abroad and pottery tested for lead before it is sold for Royal wedding memorabilia.
Standard materials tested include water from building drinking supplies and effluent from industrial units, branded food for fat, sugar or salt content, alcoholic drinks and blood for alcohol content.
The team now has an international reputation for the good works it does and handles contracts from public and private sector organisations at home and abroad.
In a recent survey to its customers, 99% said they would recommend the service to others, with 92% rating the service as excellent or satisfactory.
Cabinet member for culture, communities and customers Pat Corfield said: "Our scientific services team carries out important and fascinating work which generally goes under the radar and yet protects people’s safety.
"The team’s work is wide ranging and benefits people across the country and beyond. Organisations which use its expertise are so varied so to receive such glowing feedback from all of them is fantastic.
"I’d like to congratulate the team on its continued hard work."