Dear Editor,
Over the last three months or so I have noticed an increase in press releases coming from the Government Analyst-Food & Drug Department (GA-FDD) in relation to non-compliant importers, falsely labelled products, products with incorrect nutrition content or no source of origin.
The releases from the GA-FDD have revealed a number of simple truths that should not go unnoticed: 1. It clearly shows that previously importers had grown accustomed to conducting business in a lawless manner; and 2. We have all probably consumed foods that were not necessarily what the label said they were.
I would want to believe that persons who were importing products previously are fully knowledgeable about the systems and procedures required to bring goods into the country, but then again, if you dwell in a lawless environment for too long lawlessness may become your second nature.
I must say I’m very pleased with the way in which the GA-FDD has been functioning since the change of administration; such a department is critical in any country as it holds the key to the health and well-being of the citizenry. I am pleased that the department now can carry out its functions effectively, taking into consideration the health of the people as can easily be noticed in the releases as well. I do hope that persons are paying attention to the various items that were recently granted no entry into the country, hence if anyone sees any they should report it immediately.
I close by saying it is a sad reality when distributors have come to the decision that the dollar is more important than the health and well-being of their fellow countrymen and women. People should be careful what they consume and ensure it is genuine. I do hope that stricter penalties will be put in place for those found guilty of importing fake goods, or those with misleading or defective labelling.
Yours faithfully,
Clayon F Halley
