Sunday June 24, 2018
PAGE 71
Kaieteur News
Business charged for selling foreign -Food and Drugs refuse labeled candies ‘Ovaltine’ shipment from Vietnam
UNICEF lauds Guyana‘s efforts to address cases of sexual offences in the courts
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A few of the improperly labeled sweets seized.
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he Government Analyst - Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) said it is again advising the general public and importers about the need for proper labeling for imported food. The department pointed out that under Regulation No. 18 of the Food & Drugs Act (Chapter 34:03) of the Laws of Guyana and the Food & Drugs Regulations No. 10 of 1977 of Guyana, it is a requirement for all foods, drugs, cosmetic s a n d medical devices that are imported for sale or use in Guyana must have labels that are in English and comply with the requirements of Part II Section 18 (1) (2) which states the necessary information that the label should carry. However, GA-FDD said, it has been observed that there are numerous foreign labeled food items being offered for sale on the local market. “It is essential that regulated products be labeled in English so persons offering these products for sale or those using them can clearly understand important
information, such as their direction for use, expiry date, ingredients, name & address of manufacturer, storage condition and necessary precautions. “This enables consumers or users to make informed choices on products.” The department said that it recently seized 63 tins of “Anglo Corn Beef” labeled in a foreign language. During this exercise, the department said that it encountered expired items at the premise of the proprietor. “Criminal charges have been filed by the Department’s Prosecutor at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on the 21st of June, 2018 against this proprietor for knowingly and deliberately offering for sale expired and foreign labeled items.” In addition, the department said it has had cause to refuse entry to containers of food bringing foreign labeled “Ovaltine” from Vietnam on the 10th of May, 2018 and “Confectionery” from China on the 6th of June, 2018 that were labeled in a foreign language, had no address of
manufacturer and/or without date marks. “The department is calling on all consumers to carefully examine all food products before making purchases to ensure that these foods are labeled in English and contain all the required labeling information which includes brand name, common name, net contents, list of ingredients, storage instructions, name and address of manufacturer or person preparing the food
and its country of origin, expiry and manufacture dates.” GA-FDD said that it is urging wholesalers and retailers to understand that they also have a legal responsibility to ensure that wholesome foods reach the consumers and to ensure that all labels are in English. “The Department is calling on these proprietors to adhere to the Food and Drugs Regulation or face prosecution.”
nternational children‘s rights organization, UNICEF, has lauded Guyana‘s efforts towards addressing cases of sexual offences in the courts. Speaking to the media at a recent event country representative, Sylvie Fouet, lauded the establishment the Sexual Offences Court, describing it as a model for other countries. According to Fouet, “Guyana should be very proud of its way of handling the sexual offences court and the sexual offences Act.” The UNICEF representative said that despite challenges, Guyana‘s justice system has seen significant improvement in this regard. She noted that UNICEF was instrumental in the launching of the Sexual Offences Court last year. The country representative said the court remains a facility that is conducive for minor victims, which will prevent “second victimization” during their testimonies. She noted, too, that UNICEF is in talks with the Chancellor of the Judiciary for the acceleration of cases involving minors and the establishment of a Young Offenders Court. The Sexual Offences court housed in the Supreme Court represents the commitment of the judiciary to be re-
sponsive to the concerns raised in society about the conduct of trials for sexual crimes. The Sexual Offences Court is equipped with audiovisual devices to aid the testimony of witnesses. There are two screens in the courtroom that provide the complainants with a more suitable setting to face their alleged perpetrators. The victim-friendly features of the Court have been aiding with the successful prosecution of a number of rape cases. Since the specialised court came into operation several months ago, Court officials have recorded an increase in the number of persons convicted for sexual offence crimes. Prior to the establishment of the court, a notable number of sexual offences matters were nolle prosequi, often because of complainants’ unwillingness to testify before the High Court. Due to the sensitive nature of such cases, sexual assault victims are often terrified of reporting their experiences to the police. Then, after the matters are investigated, persons are charged. The case usually moves at a slow pace through the court system. And when the matters do (Continued on page 68 )