Seal of approval for SSQC

A MICROBIOLOGY laboratory in Shetland has been given the official seal of approval for its water testing service.

Shetland Seafood Quality Control (SSQC), based at Scalloway’s NAFC Marine Centre, has been analysing potable water for the seafood industry, the hospitality trade and food businesses for the past two years.

Previously, companies had to send their samples to the Scottish mainland, which caused delays and other problems.

One year after making the application, the SSQC has been given full accreditation for its potable water analysis package, which detects potentially harmful levels of bacteria commonly found in water systems.

Laboratory manager Margaret Nugent said: “We got accreditation so that people could keep their samples in Shetland and didn’t have to send them away. It’s a well used service.

“The team has put a lot of time and effort into obtaining accreditation for these tests and we would like to show that the specialist services we provide can be applied to many different groups and industries.”