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As a nation, we need to do better
Dear Editor,
As an analyst who has spent the past two years examining food quality and consumer concerns in Guyana, I believe we need to take a closer look at the standards of food handling, storage, and inspection across our markets and supermarkets.
Consumers have increasingly raised concerns about the quality of meats and other food products being sold. Even staple items such as rice have become a concern, with consumers reporting increased prices alongside instances of declining quality.
There have also been troubling reports of mold being discovered in sealed food packaging, while expired canned goods have allegedly remained on supermarket shelves.
The situation is equally concerning in some of our major open markets in Georgetown. Unsanitary surroundings, inadequate storage facilities, exposure of food to environmental contaminants, and insufficient facilities for vendors can create unnecessary public-health risks. While many vendors work hard to provide affordable food to the public, they also deserve proper facilities that allow them to operate safely and maintain acceptable standards.
The Government of Guyana is investing billions of dollars in modernising, rebuilding, and restoring public markets across the country, including improvements to municipal and community markets and the development of designated vending zones nationwide. These investments, being led through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development under Minister Priya Manickchand, represent an important opportunity to address more than the appearance and physical condition of our markets.
Modernisation should also mean modern food-safety systems. New and renovated markets should incorporate proper refrigeration, drainage, waste-management systems, clean water, sanitary storage, pest control, adequate ventilation, and facilities that allow vendors to maintain food at appropriate temperatures. There should also be consistent inspection and enforcement so that consumers can have confidence in the products they purchase.
Food safety is not solely the responsibility of Government. Supermarket owners, market vendors, distributors, importers, consumers, and regulatory authorities all have a role to play. Businesses must ensure that expired, contaminated, or improperly stored products do not reach consumers, while regulatory agencies must have the resources and authority necessary to conduct effective inspections and enforcement.
As Guyana continues to develop economically, our food-safety standards must develop alongside our infrastructure. We cannot build modern markets while allowing outdated practices to continue inside them. Overall, safety is everyone’s business. As a nation, we need to do better—not only for today’s consumers, but for the health and wellbeing of future generations.
Sincerely,
Blane R Bunbury
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