The Ministry of Agriculture has rejected claims reportedly made by the VPAC political movement, suggesting that approximately one million pounds of contaminated chicken may be on the local market for purchase and consumption.
In a statement this morning, the Ministry said the claims being circulated are without supporting evidence and have the potential to create unnecessary fear among consumers and undermine public confidence in the relevant government agencies’ ability to safeguard the country’s food supply.
“There is no evidence to support claims that the chicken being imported temporarily into Guyana through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) in contaminated. Guyana has established sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures governing the importation of agricultural and food products. These measures are in keeping with international food safety and animal health standards and are designed to protect consumers, safeguard local agricultural production and prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases,” the Ministry noted.
According to the Ministry, all poultry imported through the NGMC must satisfy the necessary sanitary, veterinary, and food-safety requirements. These include certification and approval procedures in the country of origin, along with the required inspections and regulatory oversight in Guyana. The NGMC also ensures that appropriate transportation and handling measures are maintained throughout the importation and distribution process.
The Ministry explained that in the case of chicken imported from Brazil, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) issues the necessary no-objection only after the relevant requirements have been satisfied. This includes consideration of the animal-health status of the exporting country and monitoring of diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease.
“The public can therefore rest assured that food safety remains a priority and that the established sanitary, phytosanitary, and veterinary requirements will not be compromised,” the Ministry noted.
The Ministry said the Government remains fully committed to protecting consumers, supporting local producers and ensuring that all imported food products meet the required standards of safety, quality and hygiene.
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