Have you ever picked a product from the shelf of a store that was not labeled and because of that you ponder on what it was, what it is used for, how it is used, or what it is made of? Labels are essential to answer all these questions consumers may have about a product.
Labels are intended to guide consumers by providing key information on the products they intend to purchase. A well labeled product provides consumers with the relevant information to make informed choices and ultimately give guidance as to the product quality and its monetary worth. Labels state how to care for a product and what the product contains. They also provide the necessary warning and precautionary information about products to help ensure the health and safety of users.
Labels of goods imported, manufactured and distributed in Guyana must comply with the requirements of the Guyana Standards Specification for the labeling of commodities – Part 1: General Principles which is a mandatory standard. This standard was developed to ensure manufacturers adequately label their goods so that consumers can select the goods best suited to their needs. Other standards are available at the Bureau of Standards that address the labeling requirements for specific goods, for example: the labeling of electrical appliances, labeling of footwear, labeling of animal feed, etc.
Consumers, at all times you need to ensure that when you are engaged in shopping that you take a “timeout” to read and understand the labels of goods you intend to purchase, especially if the goods are costly.
Here are some labeling tips to keep in mind:
IDENTITY – Information about the producer/manufacturer must be stated. If the producer does not put his name and address on the label you should not buy the product. Also make sure you know what the product is, for example, is “Benn’s Crunchies” a breakfast cereal, snack or pet food.
CERTIFICATION MARKS – Throughout the world there are Standards Bodies and Independent Test Houses which examine products to see if they meet quality standards. When satisfied that Quality Assurance procedures are adequate, that the process, materials, and finished product are of consistently good quality, a mark is awarded. As it relates to electric and electronic appliances, certification marks such as, CE, UL, CSA, FCC, NOM and CCC are placed on the label at the back of the appliance in order to guide consumers when identifying quality products.
MISLEADING CLAIMS – These include comparatives and superlatives as well as claims involving “WHOLESOME”, “HEALTHFUL”. Claims which state the nature of the food as being “ORGANIC” OR “BIOLOGICAL” should provide evidence to support these claims, such as having been tested by the Food and Drug Department or a National Standards Body.
Product labels must be in English Language and state the Brand, Type of product, Name of Manufacturer or Distributor, Country of origin, and where necessary information on the care, maintenance and precautions for use, and the manufacture and expiry dates. For further information on this subject, please contact the Guyana National Bureau of Standards on Telephone Numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 and 219-0069.
