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GNBS readies coconut water processors for Int’l markets
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is urging local processors of bottled coconut water to conform to the guidelines standards outlined in its GYS 508:2013, and GCP 30:2013 standard which will enable for better marketing of their merchandise on international markets.
In their most recent appeal to local coconut water processors, the GNBS reiterated the benefits of implementing the guidelines.
According to the GNBS, the two standards which aid with the specification for packaged natural coconut water and the code of practice for packaged natural coconut water are identical to the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) Standards.
The use of such guidelines in the local coconut water industry, the GNBS stated will facilitate trade among CARICOM member states and other jurisdictions.
“It is therefore necessary for our local (processors) to provide objective evidence that they are conforming to these minimum requirements.”
The Standards Bureau also highlighted the GCP 30 which was developed with the aim of streamlining the coconut water industry by defining requirements for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water.
“This Code of Practice gives recommendations for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water; detailing the harvesting, packaging, storing, transporting and distributing of the product.
For example, under ‘Harvesting’, the standard states that the ‘Free fall of coconuts should not be allowed; coconuts should be lowered to the ground.’ Proper harvesting techniques ensure minimal or no damage to the coconuts; thus contributing to an untainted end product, “the standard body added.
The GNBS also provides guidance as to the location, internal structure and fittings, floor design, drains, windows and doors of buildings and facilities for processing coconut water.
Under the GYS 508, differentiation is made in the production of undiluted natural coconut water; that is, coconut water which has been packaged in its natural state without the use of additives.
According to this standard, additives can be considered as, ‘…artificial substance or ingredient…added to the coconut water to enhance quality or preservation.’
Pomeroon Fresh: Some locally processed bottled coconut water
This standard also includes analytical parameters/limits for composition of the coconut water, physiochemical limits for coconut water, and microbiological limits for coconut water, which provides objective evidence and the necessary assurance that the coconut water is conforming to the recognised requirements.
Additionally, the standard gives guidance for the labelling of natural coconut water; that is, ‘the name of the product.’
The GNBS is a key agency that supports trade and enhances business competitiveness through the implementation of standards.
Standards are primarily voluntary, but they play an important role in Guyana’s economy by facilitating easy business interactions and confidence in the products and services emanating from the various sectors.
Over the years, the GNBS has been zealously advocating for local food manufacturers, food operators and agro-processors to purchase and implement the national food standards which it has available.
The majority of these food standards were developed from regional and/or international food standards. Hence, their contents are in harmony with regional and international requirements.
The Standard is therefore encouraging coconut water processors who desire to guarantee their customers that they are producing coconut water which is safe for human consumption to make contact with the Marketing and Communication Department to obtain copies of these standards.
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