MINISTERIAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FOOD STORAGE AND PREVENTION OF INFESTATION DIVISION
FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2010/2011 AND FOCUS FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2011/2012 

• Introduction

This document is intended to inform Parliament and the public about the performance of the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division (FSPID) for the 2010/2011 Financial Year and its focus for the 2011/2012 Financial Year.

2.0       Mission

The mission of the Division is to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food/feed entering commerce, through application of sound scientific principles in a timely and professional manner, so limiting consumption of potentially harmful food/feed.

3.0       Functions

The role of the Division is to carry out the Government’s programme of surveillance and regulation of the food industry to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food/feed entering commerce.  The Division carries out the functions of:  inspection, sampling, disinfestations, laboratory tests, training and research into problems of post harvest/crops/stored-products management, pesticides and biological toxin management.

• Highlights of Achievements for the 2010/2011 Financial Year (April 10-  March 11)

                                                                         
4.1       Entomology

In addition to routine sample testing, research into stored products and entomological problems was undertaken.  Areas of research included:

• Insect monitoring and trapping in warehouses
• Competence/assessment for testing laboratory accreditation
•  Four hundred and eighty-three (483) samples were received and eight hundred and eleven (811) tests were done on moisture content, insect count, and insect fragment analysis.
• Investigating the efficacy of insecticide used by the Inspectorate Unit  for

        fumigation trials (insect bioassays)

Test Services Performed                                          Total

Moisture content determination                                    280
Insect count and identification                                      232
Fragment analyses and extraneous matter                  299

Total                                                                             811

Number of sample reports                                             292

The percentage of samples from major client groups for routine laboratory analyses include: distributors 44.6%, manufacturers/processors 18.8%, other mills (rice, flour textured vegetables protein) 7.9%, animal feed mills 23.0%, extraneous matter and insect identification 5.7%.

4.2       Rodent Biology and Control

The effort to prevent and mitigate rodent infestation in food/feed stores, post offices, prisons and hospitals continued islandwide. Assistance was also provided to other institutions on request.

During the review period, stakeholders in the food industry were empowered through various training programmes and consultations, to take responsibility for rodent control through proper environmental management.

The following operational activities were undertaken:

• Twenty-four (24) rodent control programmes was implemented
• One hundred and twenty-eight (128) inspections conducted
• Four thousand and ninety four (4, 094) bait stations set
• Eight-seven (87) analyses in areas including breeding programmes, rodenticide evaluations and species identification tests
• Seventeen (17) lectures were conducted with one hundred and nineteen (119) persons trained
• Three thousand and eighty-five (3,085) individuals /companies received consultations.

• Microbiology

Analyses of food samples submitted by inspectors and private entities were carried out, as indicated below, in an effort to identify contaminating stored-product microorganisms.

• Two thousand seven hundred and two (2,702) samples were received and nine thousand three hundred and eighty-six (9,386) tests carried out for bacteria and fungi.

• Three (3) warehouses were visited.

4.4     Pesticide Residues

Apart from routine pesticide residue, mycotoxin and other chemical analyses, the unit is involved in other activities to enhance laboratory capabilities and public awareness.

The unit continues to interact with other research and educational institutions to promote the work done in the unit.

As part of the regional project RLA 5053 entitled ‘Implementing a Diagnosis System to Assess the Impact of Pesticide Contamination in Food and Environmental Compartments at a Catchment Scale in the Latin American and Caribbean Region’, the FSPID hosted Dr. Luiz Luchini from the Biological Institute of São Paulo, Brazil from September 13 to 17, 2010.

Pesticide Laboratory Work

4.5       Inspectorate and Disinfestation Unit

Surveillance and regulatory activities were maintained to ensure that only safe and wholesome food reaches the consumer. This is done through inspections, sampling and disinfestations.

FSPID office in Montego Bay

The strategic move of increasing the numbers of inspectors at the out post in Montego Bay has resulted in one thousand four hundred and eighty-nine (1,489) food establishments being inspected to date. The quantity of food inspected was 17616.57 metric tonnes valued at J$1,415.65 Million.

The following represents a summary of activity for the unit:

Inspections                                          12,947

• Samples submitted                                 792                                      
• Disinfestation operations                    1,139                                                  
• Food condemned                               20.90 MT
• Export certificates issued                       370

4.6       Training and Information

Organization/Programme                         Persons Trained

(a) Lethe Spring Water Company                       22                                            
(b) Mothers                                                         30
(c) Staff Members-FSPID                                     25
(d) HACCP-FSPID                                                10
(e) Integrated Pest Management                         1
(f ) Jamaica Pegasus Hotel                                 32
(g)  Customs Department (Mobay)                     35
                         

•  Training involved pest management and good food storage practices.
• Preparation/distribution of three thousand, eight hundred and eighty-six (3,886) brochures
• Dissemination of information on pest management and food safety and storage
• Update of website
• Attended inter-agency meetings/seminars on pest control and food safety (e.g.) with Food Safety Committee & National Food Nutrition Coordinating Committee of Jamaica (NFNCCJ).

For the period under review one thousand and sixteen (1,016) Food establishments have been issued with certifications of compliance in accordance with the Act and Regulations.

We were also involved in other activities such as:

• The division participated at the JMA/JEA Expo, held from June 17-20 at the National Arena. The division’s display included posters outlining the work carried out by the laboratories and Inspectorate & Disinfestation unit at the division and various equipment used to carry out analysis. Live displays of test animals and stored product pests were on exhibition. A corporate video feature on the division presented further displaying work carried out by the division. Other exhibitions staged by the division included Jamaica 4 H Club’s Expos in April, the Denbigh Show Grounds and in October at Catherine’s Hall Montego Bay.

• FSPID was also represented at the annual JAS Denbigh Show, July 31 to August 2. The division expanded on the presentation done in June at the JMA/JEA Expo, showcasing all lab units and utilised more glass cabinets to display technical equipment used by the laboratories and Inspectorate & Disinfestation unit.

• Training sensitisation programmes were conducted in April and October for members of staff from a bottling water company and a fast food franchise. These programmes were one-day training programmes geared at introducing the concept of food safety, good manufacturing practices and pests and prevention of infestation. The Training and Information Unit also conducted in-house training programmes in Fumigation (November 8 -12)) and Integrated Pest Management (September 13 -17). These programmes were attended by three pest control companies and two corporate companies. The Pest Control Operators will be able to apply for fumigation licences from the Pesticide Control Authority as a result of FSPID certification.

• As part of the regional project RLA 5053 entitled ‘Implementing a Diagnosis System to Assess the Impact of Pesticide Contamination in Food and Environmental Compartments at a Catchment Scale in the Latin American and Caribbean Region’, the FSPID hosted Dr. Luiz Luchini from the Biological Institute of São Paulo, Brazil from September 13 to 17, 2010. The FSPID’s Pesticide Residue and Mycotoxin Unit played the lead role in Dr. Luchini’s visit.

• The Division participated in the Jamaica Customs Department Information Fair held on January 29th at Dump Up Beach in Montego Bay. Approximately 300 persons visited the booth and over 500 brochures were distributed.

• On February 17th, the Division made a presentation on the roles and functions of the Division at the monthly Quality Assurance meeting hosted by the Customs Department, Montego Bay. Approximately 35 persons were present and 70 brochures were distributed.

• On March 3rd the Division participated at the Scientific Research Council’s Career Day Exhibition at the University of Technology. Approximately 300 persons visited the FSPID booth where 771 brochures were distributed.

4.7       Details of Performance for Financial Year 2010/2011

Table 1: Indicators of Performance

Table 2:  Inspections

4.8       Summary of Performance

We are updating and reviewing the files to reflect the personnel changes and alternation in certain methodologies that shows current trends in the accreditation process. New members of staff are also being trained to handle the systems to be used so that they understand how to apply standard applications.

Achievements are as follows:

Total no. of samples submitted – 3,503
Total no. of tests done – 10,438
Total quantity of food inspected – 599072.80 MT
Total no. of statutory notices issued – 366
Total no. of bait stations - 4, 094
Total no. of rodent treatment/premises – 35
Total no.161 of persons trained
Total no. of consultations 3,130
Total of brochures 3,771 distributed
Total no. of fumigations – 915
Total no. of spraying/misting operations – 165

4.9   Post Harvest & Unit
 

• CASSAVA STORAGE AND TREATMENT TRIALS

 
The Postharvest Technology Unit in collaboration with Boodles Research Station is currently conducting a cassava research project. This research aims to develop post harvest practices to extend the shelf life, maintain quality and ultimately increase quantity and availability of cassava marketed locally and internationally.

Three varieties of cassava (CM.849, CM.516, and M.Coll.22) consisting of approximately 500 cassava tubers are involved in this project:
Tubers were subjected to the following treatments:

1. immersed in sawdust moistened with fungicide (Botran®)
2. placed in low density polyethylene bags (gauge 1.50mls)
3. wrapped individually in plastic film

The tubers were stored at 2°C and 90% RH. Cassava tubers were weighed and observed weekly over an eight week period for signs of deterioration (shrivelling, fungal growth, streaking).

• CURRENT STATUS OF PROJECT

Preliminary report reveals that tubers that were stored in plastic wrap and polyethylene bags showed minimal weight loss compared to tubers stored in moistened sawdust and control.  The weight loss was highest for the control followed by tubers stored in moistened saw dust. The M-Coll-22 variety experienced the least mean weight loss per tuber for all treatments, followed by CM849 and CM516. Most of the tubers that were stored in the plastic wrap developed large black-brown soft spots. For all four treatments the best visual appearance was seen in the tubers that were stored in polyethylene bags. At the end of the eight week period most tubers had very little shriveling, pitting and fungal growth.

OUTPUT

The information generated from this research will assist in maintaining quality and increase the quantity of cassava tubers available for local consumption and export. It will also assist with developing and expanding the cassava industry as it pertains to value added products.
Beneficiaries include cassava farmers, exporters, agro-processors and consumers.

• COLD STORAGE  STUDIES FOR LOCAL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

AIM:  To determine the correct storage temperature and shelf for our local fruits and vegetables
          

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

• To determine the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the physical, chemical and organoleptic qualities of the fruits and vegetables being investigated.
• To determine the most suitable temperature and relative humidity required to extend the shelf life and maintain quality of these fruits/ vegetables.
• To develop  postharvest protocols for the packaging, storing and shipping of the fruits/ vegetables  being investigated.
• To produce a pictorial guide indicating symptoms of freezing, chilling and heat       injuries in our local fruits and vegetables

   CURRENT STATUS OF PROJECT

Presently 30 preliminary trials involving three fruits (green and ripe bananas, othaeithe   apples, papayas) and one vegetable (sweet peppers) were conducted. These trials include various temperature, relative humidities and different types of packaging materials. Preliminary work continues, with the major project set to begin in April 2011.

OUTPUT

The information generated from this research will assist in the training of farmers, supermarket operators, exporters, importers on the effects of improper storage temperatures and relative humidity on fresh fruits and vegetables.

It will also assist in maintaining quality and increase the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables available for local consumption and export. And ultimately increase the availability of fruits and vegetables beyond their growing season
Beneficiaries include farmers, exporters, processors and consumers.

• POSTHARVEST TRAINING

The unit conducted a two-day fresh produce training workshop for supermarket fresh produce handlers. Eight (8) lectures and two audio-visual presentations were done. Nineteen (19) participants were trained.

Revenue earned:    Nine Million, One Hundred, Eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Seven Dollars and Thirty Cents ($9,108,337.30).

5.0       Strategic Focus for Financial Year 2011/2012

The primary objective for Financial Year 2011/2012 is to continue modernization initiatives for the Division’s operations and move towards the more scientific Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based inspection system. As well as to expand the role and function of our Montego Bay Office.
In addition the Division will be focusing on having all its laboratories gaining international accreditation under the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) Project.

The National Food Safety Compliance (NFSC) Programme will continue with the certification of Food Establishments. Establishments that are already certified will be revisited to ensure compliance.

One Stop Shop

The One Stop Shop commenced operations on June 23, 2009`, where the Division inspected 495 containers of assorted groceries and also processed import documentation. The One Stop Shop is operating effectively with two Food Storage Inspectors being assigned there on a daily basis to attend to the needs of the public.

6.0        Summary of the Main Programmes for Financial Year 2011/2012

6.1       Inspection and Disinfestations
(a) Inspections for food safety and wholesomeness and compliance with the Food Storage Act

• Sampling for laboratory evaluation, the results of which are used for decision-making
• Disinfestations of food and food storage structures
• Rodent baiting

• Training, Information and Public Relations

The following will be the areas of focus:

• Educating the public for compliance with the requirements of the Food Storage Act
• Stored product management
• Pesticide management in food
• Rodent biology and control
• HACCP- based programmes.

• Rodent Biology and Control

Plans are in place to increase the number of rodent control programmes islandwide, as well as the number of consultations with private businesses, individuals, and community organizations.

The rodent breeding programme for research purposes will be improved.  Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of rodenticides to support regulatory activities.
 

6.4        Entomology
(a) The laboratory is in the process of obtaining international accreditation

• Routine sample testing will continue
• Research initiatives will be increased to provide scientific support to the regulatory activities.

6.5        Contaminant Analysis

• Routine testing for levels of pesticides on/in foods destined for the export and local markets
• Routine testing for additives above acceptable levels
• Routine testing for mycotoxins on legumes, especially peanuts and animal feeds.

6.6       Microbiology

(a) Routine monitoring of imported processed food

• Routine monitoring of bulk grains and raw materials
• Establishment of CARICOM Standards and Code of Hygiene Practice for bottled coconut water.
• Monitoring coliform contamination of cured spices such as ginger and pimento.

7.0       Budgetary Allocation

For Financial Year 2010/2011, budgetary allocation for recurrent expenditure was ninety million eight hundred seventy-five thousand thirty-seven dollars and fifty-five cents ($90,875,037.55). 

An officer from the Training and Information Unit, at Training session at Mother’s Enterprise.

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