By Mark DaCosta- The Alliance For Change (AFC) issued a press statement on July 14, 2026, calling for closer monitoring of foreign-operated supermarkets and stores across Guyana, citing a raft of apparent violations spanning consumer protection, taxation, labour rights, and food safety. The party contends that many of these enterprises — particularly those owned by Chinese or Brazilian nationals — are operating with impunity, flouting the very statutes designed to safeguard our people, our workforce, and the public purse.

At the heart of the AFC’s concerns lies the sale of food products reportedly devoid of English-language labelling and expiry or “best by” dates. Under the Food and Drugs Act (Chapter 34:03) and its subsidiary Food and Drugs Regulations, all pre-packaged food must carry a label showing, among other facts, “the expiry date or date mark required by these Regulations,” together with a complete list of ingredients, the name and address of the manufacturer, and storage instructions.

The Regulations define “expiry date” as “any date after which the manufacturer or packager of a food does not guarantee the quality or any other property of the food.” The absence of such information – if shown to be true – not only deceives the consumer but also constitutes a direct contravention of the Act’s mandate to prevent injury to health. As the AFC warns, “The health of our people is being put at risk.”