GA/FDD, Customs commit to working together to repel unhealthy food imports

Assistant Comptroller of Customs (Wharves and Airport) Simone Beckles

The Government Analyst Food and Drugs Department (GA/FDD) and the Customs and Trade Administration have had longstanding differences arising out of their shared responsibility to ensure the safety and integrity of food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices being imported into Guyana. Both agencies have now conceded that miscommunication and the absence of sustained dialogue between them are responsible for many of the problems that arise in their collaborative effort.

Under the Food and Drugs Act and more specifically under Sections 21 and 22, the two state-run agencies are responsible for ensuring that the aforementioned imports are in compliance with regulations that seek to ensure that they are fit for human consumption and that they can otherwise be used.