THE Food and Drug Department has said that all batches of the affected brands of corned beef were recalled from the local market.
A release issued by the agency said that current and future shipments will remain off the shelves until they have been tested and found to be free of unsafe levels of the veterinary drug ivermectin. The drug which is used to control parasites in cattle can result in neurotoxity with symptoms of lack of coordination of muscle movements in humans.
Brands under scrutiny were all produced by a plant in Brazil identified S.I.F. 337 and include Grace, Libby’s, Anglo, Iberia and Tutty, states the release which goes on to say that the department will also be examining the domestic market for other brands of corn beef manufactured by S.I.F. 337.
Continuing the release said that cooperation and support of  the Guyana Revenue Authority is being sought to effect a barrier control against the entry of the identified products unless they  are accompanied with the necessary certification from the Competent authority in the country of origin , attesting that the products are free from unsafe levels of veterinary drug.
The department is calling for the cooperation of importers, wholesalers, retailers and the Environmental Health Department of the various regions and town councils to protect the domestic market from unsafe goods.