Region 2 manufacturers, agro-processors benefit from food safety symposium 

Scores of agro-processors, local manufacturers and small business personnel residing along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were on Thursday last educated on food safety fundamentals – compliments of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), in collaboration with the Small Business Bureau.

The aim of the symposium was to provide business personnel with technical assistance so that they can become more competitive as well as adhere to national and international food standards.

Giving opening remarks at the symposium was head of conformity assessment from the GNBS, Rodlyn Semple, who said that those in the food business need to understand their requirements so that they could provide healthy foods to buyers.

Semple, speaking to participants in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), said there were programmes streamlined by the GNBS to assist businesses. Mention was also made about a hazard critical analysis control system, under which persons are educated on hazards that can affect the safety of foods.

Semple, during her presentation on the topic of food safety fundamentals, said foods were exposed to foodborne pathogens owing to acidity, temperature, time, oxygen, moisture among other unfavourable conditions and if the standards and food safety concepts were not maintained then persons consuming such items could become sick. As such, Semple said food must be handled very carefully when thawed, cooked, cooled or reheated.

She also informed participants that food could become hazardous by contamination from chemical, physical or biological hazards.

She pointed out that some of the symptoms of foodborne illnesses include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.

Giving a presentation on the functions of the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and its role in the development of small businesses was Audrey Gomes. Gomes recalled that in 2004, the Government of Guyana passed the Small Business Act, with the mandate of providing incentives and support programmes for small businesses. As a result, Gomes said the SBB and the Small Business Council (SBC) were set up, with the latter acting as an oversight and advising body to the Bureau. As such, she said the Bureau was responsible for fulfilling the mandate of the Small Business Act.

The SBB has been offering its services to the public via business management training, export workshops, formal business registration guidance, and facilitation to attend trade shows and exhibitions.

Gomes also outlined to the participants the criteria of accessing assistance from the SBB which is that the business must have 25 or less employees, have $20 million or less in total business assets, or have $60 million or less in gross annual revenues.

Small businesses can benefit from collateral guarantees, interest subsidies, grants, technical skills training as well as business management training from the SBB.

Those restaurant owners that participated commended the efforts of the GNBS and SBB for bringing awareness via the interactive session. Many of them believe that the symposium was very educational and informative.

The entities that participated at the forum include Caricom Rice Mills, Persauds’ Bakery, Original Juice, WD Mall, Pomeroon Women’s group, and Adventure Manufacturing Group. (Indrawattie Natram)