THE Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GAF&DD) wishes to remind importers, retailers and wholesalers of processed foods and raw materials used in manufacturing that they should register with the department and obtain an import permit for the current year before the deadline date of March 31.A release from the GAF&DD stated that an import permit is issued when the following requirements are satisfied:

*Suitable, registered premises for holding and storing products should be provided, also premises should be of adequate size and be properly lighted and ventilated.
*Additionally, air conditioning, refrigeration and freezing facilities should be provided for sensitive foods such as dairy products, preserved vacuum packaged meat products, chocolates and other confectionary.
*In addition, labels should comply with the labeling requirements as set out in Section 18 of the Food and Drug Regulations, No.10 of 1977.
Meanwhile, it was also stated that all foods sold on the domestic market should be labeled in English; and it is the onus of importers to ensure that official English translations are provided for and affixed to foods labeled in a foreign language.
SHELF LIFE
And all products arriving in the country must also have a minimum of 75% of the stated shelf life at the time of entry.
Moreover, the listed persons should also have satisfactory records with respect of origin of products, names and addresses of suppliers, distribution points and a recall of the products should be kept.
Lastly a certificate of analysis, endorsed by the regulatory authority of the country of origin, must accompany each consignment.
In closing the GAF&DD disclosed that importers are also reminded that all relevant customs documents must be submitted to this department for examination before the consignments are released through the Customs and Trade Administration.