Consumers are being advised to always take a second look at labels, to ensure the ‘country of origin’ and the exact name and address of manufacturers are clearly stated.
This advice came from the Government Analyst- Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) which recently refused entry of 2000 cartons of Tuna imported from China.
The containers were labelled “BUIWICK” instead of “BRUNSWICK” and the exact address of the manufacturer in the country of origin, was not stated.
According to the GA-FDD, the action of the department was prompted by an Inspector’s report on samples taken from a container on March 9, 2017.
According to the Laws of Guyana, Food and Drug Act chapter 34:03 part (2) section (6), this label is prohibited because it is false, misleading, and deceptive. In addition, the product’s label was found to be inadequate according to the Food and Drug Regulation of 1977, Regulation 18 part (2) (a) clause (3) – Labels.
The Department said it has since written to the Commissioner of Customs to suspend the processing of documents of the known third party agent out of the United States. It was noted that this third party knowingly and deliberately facilitates the importation of products into Guyana which are substandard and/or are with inadequate labels.
This company, the department explained would have on many occasions exported food items to Guyana in the absence of documentation (Free Sale Certificate) in the prescribed Form from the country of Origin, and this is a breach of the Food and Drug Act chapter 34:03 Section 32 (11).
The department said it will also notify the regulatory agency of the People’s Republic of China on their findings and action, because official documentation with attestation was used to facilitate the shipment of falsely labelled Tuna to Guyana.
Consumers are asked to notify the Department or any Environmental Health Officer and/or Public Health Officer/Inspector of products that they suspect have misleading or inadequate labels.
The GA-FDD serves as a regulatory body, ensuring that consumable goods (drugs, food and beverages) meet international standards and requirements, and are healthy for human consumption. The department also ensures that when these items are imported they are screened, meeting local standards before being released to the market for sale.
