Food and Drug Dep’t to crackdown on unsanctioned street food vendors

The Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GAFDD) on Friday announced plans to take action against street food vendors who fail to comply with basic food hygiene requirements.

This decision was taken following the GAFDD’s, National Food Safety and Control Committee (NFSCC) meeting, where the organisation discussed the increase in unauthorised street vending stalls in Georgetown and other regions.

In a press release, the Department said that a decision was taken to commence sensitisation and enforcement action to ensure street food vendors are in compliance with the basic requirements.

The department stated that these requirements include having adequate facilities (warmers) to keep food above 64 degrees Celsius if kept for longer than two hours, or to keep food cold or chilled at under eight degrees Celsius in chillers. The food vendors are also required to have access to potable running water, have adequate garbage disposal facilities, along with having a valid food handlers identification card.

“The NFSCC believes that if the four basic requirements are satisfied, street vended food would be protected from the associated risks; customers would be less likely to be affected with food borne illnesses, and vendors would be able to continue their trade,” the release stated.

Further, GAFDD cited a 2009 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) study which noted that diarrheal illnesses are very common in Guyana with some 7.7% of the population being affected annually. At that time they mentioned that number was significantly higher than other countries in the region.

As a result, the department emphasised that it will be taking action against those who are not in compliance with the requirements and will be receiving assistance in this regard from the various Regional Health Officers and other relevant authorities.