After seizing nearly 90 bags of repackaged flour from several city and lower East Coast retailers, the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department has issued a warning to importers and distributors that continuing the practice can result in their permits being rescinded.
A release yesterday from the Department explained that the seizures are part of its campaign against repackaging of the staple under unhealthy conditions, a practice found to be prevalent in Georgetown and on the lower East Coast corridor, where the operation occurred.
It was noted that at these establishments, smaller quantities of the item are repackaged and then put on sale in unlabeled plastic bags, a practice in violation of the Food and Drug Act (Chapter 34:03) and the Food and Drug Regulations Section (18) (1) and Part (6) (2) of the 1971 Food & Drugs Act.
They warned that should they find importers and distributors persisting with the repackaging of these items under unsanitary conditions, the department will have “no other alternative” than to rescind their licences and permits to repackage or import wheaten flour in 45 kg bags.
It was stated that similar exercises will be conducted nationwide by enforcers of the National Food and Safety Control Committee, who will be authorised to carry out and implement action against wrongdoers in their respective regions.
Furthermore, the Department is advising the public to purchase flour only in properly-labelled bags to help protect their health and safety.
