THE Government Analyst Food and Drug Department has issued a reminder to all manufacturers and repackagers of processed foods, to ensure that their premises are inspected and licensed for the current year, before the March 21 deadline.

The advisory said application forms can be uplifted from the IAST Building, University of Guyana (UG) Campus, Turkeyen, or the respective District Environmental Health Officer.

The release said completed forms, accompanied by the processing fee $5,000 cash or cheque, should be submitted to the Accounts Department, payable to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.

It said a licence to manufacture is secured when inspection reveals that the following requirements are met:

* the premises shall be suitably constructed, in good repairs and well

painted;

* defined storage areas for raw materials and finished products should be

provided;

* the layout of the process line should provide a regulated flow to successive

stages in order to minimise the possibility of cross contamination;

* an effective sanitation programme should be in place;

* an updated, written cleaning schedule, pest control and factory records

should be provided;

* effective means of solid and liquid waste disposal should be provided;

* at least a basic HACCP plan should be provided;

* competent personnel should supervise processing operation and

* all potential and current food handlers must undergo at least 16 hours of

hygiene training by the department before they get a permit.

According to the release, persons or companies applying to manufacture food in a newly registered place should also submit:

* written approval from the Central Housing and Planning Authority;

* a copy of the Certificate of Registration for the business;

* a sanitation programme and schedule;

* a floor plan of the factory;

* a process flow diagram for each product to be manufactured and

* drafts of proposed labels to be vetted.