The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) yesterday said that it is concerned at recent attempts to import food, drugs and cosmetics into Guyana, circumventing applicable Food and Drug regulations, especially regarding labeling and shelf-life/expiry dates.
In a statement, the GMSA said that it recognizes that these regulations are authorized by the Food and Drug Act and are in place to protect the health of all Guyanese.
The GMSA says it supports the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD), in fulfilling its mandate to enforce these regulations and called on all importers to meet the regulatory requirements for importing these items.
“The Association calls on these importers and their agents to desist from seeking to apply pressure to the GA-FDD, including through social media and other means, to bypass these regulations. The GMSA further wishes to discourage interference into this regulatory body that has to be independently focused on its mandate and to execute same with integrity”, the statement said.
Considering the increased economic activity and opportunities in Guyana due to the country now being an oil and gas producer, and the associated increased movement of people with their accompanying requirements, preferences and expectations, the role of the GA-FDD becomes even more critical, the GMSA said.
It urged that the GA-FDD be upgraded with the necessary resources, including suitable administrative and testing facilities.
