Consumers urged to look out for expired goods following bust

Consumers urged to look out for expired goods following bust

The Ministry of Health is urging consumers to be on the look out for expired food items. The warning came after a canter truck full of expired food products was seized on Tuesday. It is believed that the products were being taken to be sold to unsuspecting shop owners.

The bust was made by the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy & Poison Board after officials received a tip-off.

A quantity of Carnation Milk, Mak-C drink mix, Dry Pigeon Peas, Delisa Nutrient Boost, Channa, Mixed Vegetables, and Royal Jello, along with Hugs Fruit Berry juice and gloves were seized and taken into the ministry’s bond for further investigation.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency, the storage conditions of the goods were deplorable and unhealthy, as rotting goods, such as potatoes, were seen among them, and the labels were torn and discoloured with mildew.

A Ministry of Health official pointed out that the board has been receiving numerous complaints of these products, which are distributed countrywide. The official added that there have been many attempts to source them, but they were all futile.  unnamed (2)

 “It is still unknown who is the owner of the goods. However, the canter owner pointed out that he was only required to move the items from the bond to another truck owner, who was supposed to transport them to Essequibo”, the Government Information Agency said.

The ministry is urging distributors to check their products and verify that they are in line with the specifications of the Guyana Bureau of Standards. Distributors are reminded that the marketing of such products can result in legal consequences.

 Consumers are also encouraged to ensure that they receive a bill for all transactions, when purchasing goods. This is to ensure that customers can be compensated, if the need arises.

The Health Ministry said the marketing of expired and damaged goods are hazardous to human health, and for this reason the ministry will continue to be on the lookout for them on the local market. Citizens are advised to report any suspicious and similar activities or storage conditions brought to their attention, as they pose a threat to them and their families.

 

Filed: 25th February, 2015

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