The Public Analyst runs a laboratory which will:
* Analyse food:
** for composition: many foods have legally defined, customary or expected  compositions
** for additives: which must be legally permitted and within prescribed concentrations
** for contamination: chemical, microbiological
** to assess the accuracy of labelling
** to investigate whether complaints by the public are justified
* Interpret relevant law passed by the EU and UK or Ireland:
** act as expert witness in prosecutions
In addition to their central rôle in relation to food law enforcement, Public Analysts provide expert scientific support to local authorities and the private sector in various other areas, for example they:
* analyse drinking, bathing water including swimming pools, industrial effluents, industrial process waters and other waters
* investigate environmental products and processes including assessing land contamination, building materials and examining fuels 
* advise on waste management
* investigate and monitor air pollution
* advise on consumer safety - in particular consumer products such as toys
* monitor asbestos and other hazards
* carry out toxicological work to assist HM Coroners