GMSA defends Food and Drug Department

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) says it is deeply concerned about the recent accusations being made against the head of the Government Analyst- Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD), Marlon Cole in the form of a public protest.

The body said it is aware that the grievances of some importers are in the courts and “that is, in fact, the proper place for Businesses to challenge the regulatory authority.”

In the GA-FDD’s defence, the GMSA said that for the first time in recent history, this agency seems to be doing its job regarding upholding the law when it comes to certifying and labelling of imports. It added that recently, the Food and Drug Department has asked “all and sundry” for free sale certificates including manufacturers and all are complying.

“In the absence of an accredited lab and phytosanitary enforcement and anti-dumping legislation it is extremely important that the G-FDD perform its duties unimpeded,” the manufacturing body said.

Chief Executive Officer of a local company, Sueria Manufacturing Inc., Frank Sanichara during a picketing exercise on Wednesday last accused the Food and Drug Department Director of discrimination and corrupt practices. Lab reports in the form of certification of analysis and USDA approved documents are often rejected by the Director says the CEO.

Sanichara told News Room due to the hassle in having some products imported he is being forced to downsize operation which means letting go of employees over time.

Following the protest, Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton on Friday, under whose purview the department falls, noted that the corruption allegations will be fully investigated.