The public is invited to learn more about the work of the Government Analytical Services (GAS), at Culloden Road, St. Michael, when it holds an Open Day on Monday, October 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
It is being held in commemoration of the theme for World Food Day 2023 – “Water is Life; water is food. Leave no one behind”.
The Government Analytical Services, which is a department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, provides chemical analyses of food, water, soil, fertilizer, and agricultural products, as well as microbiological determinations on food and water (potable, marine, ground, waste, agricultural, pools). It uses a variety of analytical equipment and methods and undertakes several quality assurance and quality control procedures.
Government ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Environmental Protection Department, and the Barbados Water Authority, as well as private sector agencies, farmers, and the general public utilise the services of the GAS to analyse and test products to ensure that they are safe.
GAS receives samples from private sector agencies, which use the results of the tests to ensure their products are safe; generate labels; and comply with the requirements of importing countries or regulatory agencies. These agencies also use the results to ensure that imported products or inputs to production are safe and of an acceptable quality.
Water samples provided to GAS are analysed to ensure that they meet the requirements of the water for its intended use.
World Food Day is observed on October 16 every year, and a week of activities is coordinated by the Food and Agricultural Organization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security.