Some years ago the Government Analyst drew to the attention of bakers that they were describing loaves of bread as whole wheat bread, when in fact there was no whole wheat in the country. It was agreed that such bread should be described as ‘hi-fibre’ bread. Some bakers pointed out that the plastic bags in which the bread was sold were already printed and described the bread as whole wheat bread. It was agreed that they could continue to sell in those plastic bags.
As a result, consumers may be puzzled as to the difference between high fibre bread and whole wheat bread.
NAMILCO explains it for us:-
Harvest High Fibre Flour and Whole Wheat Flour.
“HARVEST HI FIBRE flour and WHOLE WHEAT flour are two health line products sold by the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO).
“HARVEST HI-FIBRE flour was introduced on the market several years ago because Namilco recognized that the Guyanese consumers need to eat healthy, that is, more fibre in the diets because of the health benefits. At that time when the Harvest High Fibre flour was introduced, we were not capable of producing WHOLE WHEAT flour and we needed to satisfy our consumers’ demand.
“HARVEST HI-FIBRE is a combination of the endosperm (white flour) and bran of hard wheat enriched with vitamins and minerals whilst WHOLE WHEAT is the whole kernel/grain grounded [contains the endosperm (white flour), bran as well as the Wheat germ] and enriched with vitamins and minerals.
“They are both rich in Insoluble Cereal Fibre and can be used interchangeably in any recipes containing white flour. Insoluble fibre contains passive water-attracting qualities which help to soften stool, increase the bulk, and shorten pass over time through the intestine.
As we age, the metabolism of certain nutrients e.g. carbohydrates, reduces and most of the nutrients are stored in our body as fats which can lead to diseases such as Obesity and Diabetes among others.
“Therefore, it is necessary as we get older to start introducing these products in our diet.
“In addition to the fibre, whole wheat contains wheat germ which is rich in vitamin E and helps in reducing the blood cholesterol levels: hence reducing the risks of further cardiovascular problems.
“Harvest is available in 1kg plastic sack whilst Whole Wheat is sold in a 1kg paper bag sack. Both of these products have a shelf-life of 3 months under normal room temperature. However, the shelf life can be extended if stored in a refrigerator.
“NAMILCO advised that they were out of Maid Marian Self Rising Packages but assured consumers that self rising flour was being sold in the new packages.”
Stabroek Business prints on the back page of each issue the current prices at Bourda and Stabroek markets of commodities in frequent use.
Below are the prices of some products as shown in the June 4 issue.
Boulanger 3-4 per $100, Cabbage $200, Pumpkin $80, Banana Cayenne $160, Banana Apple $120, Oranges $40, Cassava $50, Eddo $80, Sweet-potato $160, Plantain $80, Beef $260, Chicken $340.
However, prices paid by consumers at Stabroek market are:
Pumpkin $200
Cassava $100
Eddo $100
Plantain $100
Consumers are complaining bitterly about these high prices.