The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) is hosting a food inspectors’ workshop as it seeks to upgrade environmental officers and food inspectors’ capacity.The two-day workshop which is being held at the Brandsville Hotel, Pike Street, Campbellville, aims at promoting harmonisation and standardisation of inspection reporting,Isaiah Thomas Jersey, and targets food inspectors from throughout the country.Three new reporting checklists, which are expected to be implemented from January 2013,Cheap NFL Jerseys, would be introduced to the participants for deliberation and discussion.This workshop comes at a time, when internationally, rules and regulations regarding food safety are changing. Some of the new regulations include the Food Safety Modernisation Act in the United States of America and the European Food Safety Authority.Chief Medical Officer,Dan Marino Dolphins Jersey, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud noted that while the training is based on the changing regulations, the core of the matter is to ensure the people in Guyana are protected.He pointed out that over a year-and-a-half ago, a Burden Illness Study was carried out which indicated that food borne diseases were under reported, and as a result the statistics did not reflect such.Dr. Persaud said in many instances people consume what is provided without thinking about the process involved in the preparation of the eatables however,Cheap Authentic Jerseys, that process is very important to the safety of the food, and the impact on the individual’s state of health. In this regard, the setting up of a robust and well thought out plan to ensure food safety is one that everyone should desire.Since the Cricket World Cup in 2007, most food handlers have seen the need for proper methods in food preparation and have become certified.While this may seem burdensome to food establishments they must be more aware of the safety precautions and aid in the reduction of food borne illnesses to zero.Dr. Persaud highlighted that discussions have commenced with the Ministry of Agriculture to identify ways to better food supply and safety; these interactions have since resulted in the development of a draft food safety act which brings together the various aspects of the food production processes. He added that it has been recognised that the Health Ministry alone cannot mainstream this effort.As the economy and population expand, the need for food processing will become greater. Dr. Persaud indicated that at a recent meeting in Trinidad and Tobago, it was stated that many countries are seeing Guyana’s capability to produce wholesome and healthy foods that are safe and can aid the reduction of non-communicable diseases.PAHO/WHO’s Senior Advisor in Sustainable Development and Environmental Health, Engineer Adrianus Vlugman in his remarks noted that the seminar brings together professionals in the field to finalise the format of the inspection checklist for good manufacturing practices,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, food service establishments and internationally recognised protocols.The checklist enables inspectors to effectively and confidently carry out and enhance food safety in Guyana.Vlugman acknowledged that safety is important for the export of food, particularly since Guyana is establishing itself in food exports which require certification.