NAMILCO warns Guyanese of health risks from illegally repackaged flour

Warning of the hazards that come from purchasing illegally repackaged flour, including health hazards that can leave consumers on their own with no rights to legal redress, the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) is putting Guyanese on notice.
The company pointed out in a statement, that while it only packages flour in its International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) compliant factory, the retailers of unlabeled, repackaged flour usually pack the bags in unsanitary conditions.
“The Management of the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. hereby urges the general public to only purchase flour in properly labeled packaging, which is in compliance with the Food Safety Laws of Guyana,” NAMILCO said.
“We specifically encourage persons, particularly our loyal customers to purchase our products which have been manufactured and packed at our ISO compliant factory. Not only are our products manufactured from wholesome, carefully sourced ingredients, but the highest levels of sanitation and quality control is applied at every stage of the manufacturing process.”
According to NAMILCO, its Thunderbolt and Maid Marian line of products are machine packed. The company also went on to specify the risks consumers incur by purchasing repackaged flour, often sold in unlabeled plastic bags.
“Products are often repackaged under unsanitary conditions at unregistered establishments in contravention of the laws of Guyana. Products can be expired yet repackaged for human consumption. No claim can be made for compensation or appropriate action taken or redress legal or otherwise,” NAMILCO added.

A few weeks ago, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), had announced that as Guyanese across the country prepare to shop for goods during the holiday season, it would be increasing its market surveillance to protect consumers.
The GNBS, operating under the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, is a semi-autonomous Governmental Organisation responsible for standards and quality in Guyana. The GNBS is an ISO 9001:2015 certified and ISO/IEC 17025 accredited agency.
During a recent interview with this publication, GNBS’ Head of Corporate Communications Lloyd David had said that since the holiday season is usually accompanied by an increase of trade and business, the Bureau will be closely monitoring products on the market throughout this period.
“So, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards acknowledge that there will be lots of purchasing and sale during the Christmas season. We will do our best, our inspectors will do their best to ensure that they monitor these products based on quality and labeling requirements,” he had said.
In 2022, NAMILCO and the GNBS had joined forces to push Guyana’s food safety agenda in observance of World Food Safety Day. That same year, NAMILCO had received certifications for two of its products, with the GNBS “Made in Guyana” certification mark.
This meant the company can use the GNBS-approved “Made in Guyana” certification mark on the packaging of their wheat flour (Thunderbolt)- sizes (1kg, 2kg, 10kg, 22.5kg, 45kg) and their Maid Marian self-rising flour (sizes 1kg and 2kg).
The “Made in Guyana” certification mark is a prestigious mark which was unveiled by, First Lady Arya Ali at the GNBS’ National Quality Awards Ceremony in October 2021. It is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets.
Additionally, it is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese products. Among the requirements to become certified are that manufacturers are required to use at least 60 per cent raw materials from Guyana, and to employ 70 per cent Guyanese staff.