MoA denies claims of 1M pounds of contaminated chicken

October 8 2026

The Ministry of Agriculture has dismissed claims that approximately one million pounds of contaminated chicken could be on the Guyanese market, saying no evidence has been presented to support the allegations made by VPAC members.

In a press statement, the Ministry warned that such claims could cause unnecessary public alarm and undermine confidence in the agencies responsible for ensuring the safety of imported food.

It stressed that there is no evidence indicating that chicken being temporarily imported through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) is contaminated.

The Ministry said all poultry imported through the NGMC must meet established sanitary, veterinary and food-safety requirements, including certification and approval in the country of origin, inspections and regulatory checks upon arrival in Guyana.

The importation process is governed by the country’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, which are aligned with international food-safety and animal-health standards. These safeguards are intended to protect consumers, support local agricultural production and prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases.

For chicken imported from Brazil, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) issues a no-objection only after the relevant requirements have been satisfied. This includes assessing the exporting country’s animal-health status and monitoring diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease.

Once the poultry arrives in Guyana, the GLDA, the Veterinary Public Health Unit, the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies conduct inspections and provide regulatory oversight before the products are cleared for distribution.

The Ministry also said the NGMC is responsible for ensuring that appropriate transportation and handling procedures are maintained throughout the importation and distribution process.

While reaffirming its commitment to food safety, the Ministry urged persons using social media platforms to raise public-interest concerns to ensure that their claims are supported by credible evidence and verified information.

It said any legitimate concerns about food safety should be reported to the relevant authorities for proper investigation.

The Ministry maintained that the Government would continue to protect consumers, support local producers and ensure that imported food products meet the required standards of safety, quality and hygiene.

The response follows a statement from VPAC member Dorwain Bess who has alleged that nearly one million pounds of chicken entered Guyana in standard shipping containers without refrigeration facilities.