There is no evidence that chicken imported through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) is contaminated, the Agriculture Ministry said, rejecting claims that about one million pounds are on sale.

The claim was made by VPAC co-founder Dorwain Bess. The ministry said it was unsupported by evidence and could create unnecessary fear among consumers and undermine confidence in agencies responsible for safeguarding the food supply.

The ministry said Guyana has sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures governing imports of agricultural and food products. It said they follow international food safety and animal health standards and are meant to protect consumers and local production and to prevent the spread of animal diseases.

All poultry imported through the NGMC must meet sanitary, veterinary and food-safety requirements, the ministry said. These include certification and approval in the country of origin, along with inspections and regulatory oversight in Guyana. The NGMC also ensures appropriate transportation and handling during importation and distribution.

For chicken from Brazil, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) issues a no-objection only after requirements are met, the ministry said. This includes consideration of the exporting country's animal-health status and monitoring of diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease.

On arrival, imported poultry is inspected and overseen by the GLDA, the Veterinary Public Health Unit, the Health Ministry and other authorities before being cleared for distribution, it said.

The ministry said the public can be assured that food safety remains a priority and that SPS and veterinary requirements will not be compromised.

It said operators of social media platforms that present themselves as spaces for balanced dialogue have a responsibility to provide credible evidence and verified information. It added that legitimate food safety concerns should be reported to the relevant authorities for investigation.