Agriculture Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha officially commissioned the Guyana Food Safety Authority’s (GFSA) Laboratory and Office at the Ministry of Agriculture’s La Bonne Intention (LBI) complex on the East Coast of Demerara earlier today.
The state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to ensure food safety and safeguard public health across the nation.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Mustapha noted the importance of food safety, particularly as Guyana continues to expand its agri-food production. He also said the government remains committed to ensuring that food is safe and has been working with the relevant agencies and partners to strengthen the capability of the Guyana Food Safety Authority.
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative in Guyana, Lorena Solorzano-Salazar, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the collaboration between the IDB and the Government of Guyana to establish the facility. She pointed out that the initiative aligns with the shared vision of ensuring food safety and public health, especially as international markets increasingly demand traceability and quality assurance in food production.
The laboratory was equipped with cutting-edge technology through an investment of over G$520 million, funded by the IDB. The equipment enables the testing of a wide range of commodities to guarantee their safety for human consumption. It also facilitates advanced traceability studies and analyses, allowing Guyana to remain competitive and compliant with global food safety standards.
This new facility is expected to bolster Guyana’s food safety infrastructure and support the country’s growing agricultural sector while ensuring that both local and international consumers can trust the quality of Guyanese products.
