GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana's government Friday dismissed allegations suggesting that approximately one million pounds of contaminated chicken may have been imported into the country and allowed to be sold on the local market.
(File Photo)“These claims are without supporting evidence and have the potential to create unnecessary fear among consumers and undermine public confidence in the relevant government agencies’ ability to safeguard the country’s food supply,” the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement.
“There is no evidence to support claims that the chicken being imported temporarily into Guyana through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) in contaminated,” it said, adding that Guyana has established sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures governing the importation of agricultural and food products.
“These measures are in keeping with international food safety and animal health standards and are designed to protect consumers, safeguard local agricultural production and prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases.
“All poultry imported through the NGMC must satisfy the necessary sanitary, veterinary, and food-safety requirements. These include certification and approval procedures in the country of origin, along with the required inspections and regulatory oversight in Guyana. The NGMC also ensures that appropriate transportation and handling measures are maintained throughout the importation and distribution process.”
The ministry said that in the case of chicken imported from Brazil, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) issues the necessary no-objection only after the relevant requirements have been satisfied.
It said this includes consideration of the animal-health status of the exporting country and monitoring of diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease.
The ministry said that upon arrival in Guyana, the GLDA, the Veterinary Public Health Unit, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant authorities inspect and oversee imported poultry products before clearing them for distribution.
“The public can therefore rest assured that food safety remains a priority and that the established sanitary, phytosanitary, and veterinary requirements will not be compromised.
“Persons who have established social media platforms under the guise of creating a space for balanced dialogue and public interest have a responsibility to provide credible evidence and verified information. Any legitimate concerns relating to food safety should be reported to the relevant authorities so that they can be properly investigated.”
The government says it “remains fully committed to protecting consumers, supporting local producers and ensuring that all imported food products meet the required standards of safety, quality and hygiene”.
