THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Wednesday hosted a one-day Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) symposium.
Titled ‘What exporters must know and do to comply’, the symposium was held at Regency Hotel, on Brickdam, in Georgetown, to enlighten food producers, processors and exporters.

In her remarks to the participants, Acting Executive Director of GNBS, Ms. Evadnie Enniss said,that as the body setting standards, they saw the need for such a forum, in which local people can meet the international requirements when exporting foods to overseas markets.
She pointed out that the United States (U.S.) is very serious about safeguarding food products entering that country, and, as such, has introduced the new FSMA which carries stiff penalties.
Enniss said, one of the GNBS own staffers, technical officer II Rodlyn Semple attended an FSMA conference in the U.S. and she was present on Wednesday to talk about “preparing to comply with the new FSMA regulations” and “implications for importing high risk foods and fresh produce under the FSMA.”
The Acting Director emphasised that food safety is important both locally and overseas, and that GNBS is pleased to be associated with the forum.
She urged all food processors, producers and exporters to implement the requirements in an effort to safeguard related products.

Cost attached
Enniss said all local businesses should put in place the food safety management system which is derived from GNBS with a cost attached.
Speaking at the forum, as well, was Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Agricultural Health Specialist, Dr. Maxine Parris-Aaron, whose topic was ‘What is FSMA and IICA’s role in promoting food safety in Guyana’.
She gave an overview of FSMA and the levels of food borne illnesses and encouraged all food producers, processors and exporters to ensure their businesses meet the U.S. stipulated levels, so as to make sure wholesome foods are consumed.
During the one-day exercise, a video on preventive controls was shown and a lecture given on labeling; and practical guidelines to avoid increasing costs and lowering business efficiency and feedback on the way forward for exporters were given.