GNBS supporting quality & growth in Guyana’s agro-processing sector

(Kaieteur News) – Guyana’s agro-processing sector continues to play an important role in agricultural diversification, entrepreneurship and food security. From pepper sauces, jams and fruit juices to packaged spices, cassava, and other locally manufactured products, this sector offers numerous opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to expand their operations and access new markets. Notwithstanding, producing quality agro-processed products requires adherence to established standards that promote product safety, consistency and consumer confidence.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), through its mandate to develop, adopt and promote standards, supports agro-processors desirous of improving their product quality and business competitiveness. The Bureau has standards relevant to several agro-processed products, including jams and jellies, coconut oil, cassava bread, fruit and vegetable juices, spices and sauces. These standards provide guidance on the quality of raw materials, processing, packaging, labelling and other requirements that help manufacturers maintain consistency and meet consumer expectations.

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Food safety is particularly important in agro-processing, as improper handling, contamination and unsuitable storage conditions can compromise products. Several available national standards cover crucial aspects of food safety, including GCP 21 – Code of Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, GCP 25 – Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, and GYS 494 – Specification for Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Drinks and Fruit Nectars.