The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department in its efforts to improve the efficiency and efficacy of its regulatory activities wishes to inform the general public of its legal mandate as it relates to accessing and inspecting premises where food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices are manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored for sale.
In recent months, it has been brought to the attention of the Department that several proprietors or representatives of establishments regulated by the GA-FDD would either offer resistance or prohibit the staff from conducting their legally mandated duties. These acts are against the provisions of the Food and Drugs Act which states the following;
An Inspector has the right to conduct the following at any reasonable time;
Enter any premises where food, drugs cosmetics and medical devices are manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged, stored or sold for examination or sampling purposes.
Examine and make copies of any books, documents or other records relevant to the enforcement of their inspection activities. .,c) Seize and detain for so long as may be necessary for the purpose of examination, investigation, trial or inquiry any food, drugs, cosmetics or medical device that contravenes the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act.
According to section 21 subsection (5) of the Food and Drugs Act. Any person who contravenes the provisions of this act by doing the following is guilty of an offense.
Obstruct an inspector in the carrying out of his duties under this Act
Knowingly makes any false or misleading statement either verbally or in writing to any inspector engaged in carrying out his duties under this Act
Remove, alter or interfere in any way with any article seized under this Act without the authority of an Inspector
The Department is therefore demanding compliance and support as we seek to further strengthen our regulatory oversight in fulfilling our mandate of trade facilitation and consumer protection.