RECENT confiscation of a number of foreign-labelled and expired goods on the local market has resulted in calls from the Government Analyst –Food and Drug Department (GA –FDD) for citizens to be more alert when purchasing food items.

In a media release from the GA-FDD on Friday, the body revealed that it recently seized 63 tins of ‘Anglo Corn Beef’ labelled in a foreign language and other expired items from the premises of a proprietor.
Criminal charges against the said business owner were filed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on June 21, 2018, by the department’s prosecutor for “knowingly and deliberately” offering the items for sale.

Added to this, the department refused entry to containers of foreign-labelled ‘Ovaltine’ from Vietnam on May 10, 2018 and ‘Confectionery’ from China on June 6, 2018.
The release stated: “The department is calling on all consumers to carefully examine all food products before making purchases to ensure that these foods are labelled in English and contain all the required labelling information which includes brand name, common name, net contents, list of ingredients, storage instructions, name and address of manufacturer or person preparing the food and its country of origin, expiry and manufacturer dates.”

GA-FDD also holds importers and proprietors accountable on the matter and reminds that it goes against the Food and Drugs Act (Chapter 34:03) of the Laws of Guyana and the Food and Drugs Regulations No. 10 of 1997.

“Wholesalers and Retailers also have a legal responsibility to ensure that wholesome foods reach the consumers and to ensure that all labels are in English. The Department is calling on these proprietors to adhere to the Food and Drugs Regulation or face prosecution,” the document stated.

In addition to food items, it is required that drugs, cosmetics and medical devices that are imported for sale or use in Guyana be labelled in English, so that buyers and sellers can understand important information in relation to content, use, quantity, expiration date and other necessary precautions.

Just last week, piles of expired food items were seized from vendors at the Stabroek Market Bazaar by the Meat/ Food and Hygiene Department of the Mayor and City Council.
The GA-FDD serves as a regulatory body, ensuring that consumable goods meet international standards and requirements and are healthy for human consumption.