Latest update September 29th, 2026 10:28 AM
AVAILABLE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PACKAGED WATER IS A USEFUL GUIDE FOR WATER PRODUCERS
GNBS IN FOCUS
Kaieteur News- World Water Day was observed on March 22 to bring awareness to use of this vital resource. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has several water-related standards which were developed to offer guidance in relation to water use, testing, management and safety.
Included in the list of standards is the GCP 24:2006 – Code of Hygienic practice for collecting, processing and marketing of packaged water (mineral water, spring water, purified water).
This National standard, which is also a Caricom standard, sets levels of quality and safety for packaged water produced and traded in the Region. It recommends appropriate general techniques for collecting mineral and spring water, and the treatment, bottling, packaging, storage, transport, distribution and sale of packaged water, to guarantee safety, health and wholesomeness of the product.
The need to develop this Code of Practice arose from the fact that waters from several Caricom countries’ mineral springs or sources are being packaged and sold. Across the Caribbean region, we can find several underground reservoirs, which are not exposed to pollution, that are being exploited. These sources help to satisfy the growing demands for natural pure water or water containing certain minerals.
Locally, there are several water producers who exploit various water sources and treatment techniques in the production of potable packaged water for consumption. These producers can benefit tremendously from implementing the requirements of this Code of Practice as GNBS promotes the use of the document to improve businesses.
The code covers prescription of mineral and spring waterresources, focusing on the protection of alimentary reservoirs and aquifers, hygienic prescriptions for water collection, maintenance of extraction facilities, and more.
The document also outlines requirements for establishments that process mineral water, addressing aspects such as the location, building and facilities, and hygienic facilities for supply, disinfection, effluent and waste disposal, lighting and ventilation requirements. Hygienic requirements including personal hygiene and processing requirements are also included to guide producers.
No doubt, GCP 24 reminds us of the crucial role, standards play in ensuring that the requisite systems are in place to produce quality products and services. It is imperative that these standards be utilized for the benefit of businesses, to safeguard consumers and to protect the environment.
This year, World Water Day was celebrated under the theme, “Glacier preservation”, emphasizing the critical role of glaciersin providing fresh water for various purposes and the need to protect them from the impact of climate change.
For more information on this and other Standards, visit gnbsguy.comor call 219-0064/65/66 or WhatsApp 692-4627.
AVAILABLE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PACKAGED WATER IS A USEFUL GUIDE FOR WATER PRODUCERS
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