Sale of counterfeit products remains a major problem in Guyana

The influx of substandard and counterfeit products in Guyana remains a major problem, as it affects not only consumers but commercial entities that are selling legitimate products.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is now joining organisations such as the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department and the World Health Organisation (WHO), in the call to end the sale of these substandard products.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times International, PSC President Ramesh Persaud said businesses should guard against the importation of substandard and counterfeit products.

He said too that wholesalers and retailers should carefully scrutinise their goods to ensure that they are correctly labelled, genuine and of high standards, before selling. “They have a responsibility to ensure their goods are of high standard,” Persaud said.

Persaud also opined that better monitoring is needed to safeguard consumers. However, he said the Food and Drug Department and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) require additional resources to effectively execute their mandate to prevent the influx of these questionable products.

When contacted, GNBS Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lloyd David told this publication that the bureau lacks the capacity to monitor all goods, thus the establishment of agencies such as the Food and Drug Department. He explained that GNBS monitors 20 products to ensure they comply with the relevant regulations. However, he said that consumers need to inspect products that are on sale before purchasing.

There are serious health implications linked to the sale and use of expired, substandard and counterfeit drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. These implications can result in death, the WHO said.

Though she was not placed on death’s bed, one consumer told this publication that she was battling with a skin infection after using a “Dove” branded soap.

After using the soap for a day, the woman said a number of black spots appeared on her skin. As a result, she immediately stopped using it.

Upon closer inspection, the consumer noticed little differences in the packaging when compared to the “Dove” soap she had used before.

A Victoria Primary School teacher also complained of a similar occurrence with a shampoo she had purchased from a store along America Street, Georgetown. The teacher explained that she started experiencing severe hair loss after using the shampoo.

Last year, ANSA McAL Trading Limited experienced a drop in sales due to the presence of counterfeit products on the local market.

By mid-year, the Trinidadian conglomerate had experienced a 15% drop in sales for Proctor and Gamble products primarily Head and Shoulders, Pantene and Olay, due to the circulation of counterfeit goods.

Counterfeit products often remain with importers longer than recommended and after becoming aged and expire, these products with questionable ingredients are sold to unsuspecting customers at a heavily discounted price.