Mission: To ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food/feed entering commerce through sound scientific principles in a timely and professional manner so limiting consumption of potentially harmful food.
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.
3.1 Training and Information
Organization/Programme Persons Trained
(a) FSPID 8
(b) Public Health Inspectors 13
(c) RADA 25
(d) Secondary Schools 6
(e) Peanut Farmers 25
(f) Exhibitions > 400
(g) PCO Audited 27
- The preparation/distribution of technical bulletins
- Dissemination of information on the pest management and food storage
- Website is being maintained
- Attended interagency meetings/seminars re pest control, food safety (e.g Bureau of Standards, NQIP)
3.2 Entomology
In addition to routine sample testing, research into stored products and entomological problems were undertaken. Research included:
- Insect monitoring and trapping in warehouses
- Competence/assessment for testing laboratory accreditation
- Produce and distributed technical paper on split ginger processing and storage
- Four hundred thirty three (433) samples submitted for testing
Test Services Performed Total
Moisture content determination 241
Insect count and identification 151
Fragment analyses and extraneous matter 51
Total 443
Number of sample reports 85
Approximately percent (95%) of the tests conducted were on rice, ginger, black pepper, cotton, pimento and quassia chips for moisture content determination, insect count and identification.
3.3 Rodent Biology and Control
The effort to prevent and mitigate rodent infestation in food/feed stores, post offices, prisons and hospitals continued island wide. Assistance was also provided to other institutions upon 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.
There was close collaboration with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in phasing out the use of Methyl Bromide in Jamaica and preventing the use of environmentally unfriendly substances, mainly ozone depleters, which are used in pest control. There was also a joint effort with NEPA in spearheading the testing of ECO2FUMETM for use in Jamaica.
The Unit is being ISO International Standard Organization Accreditation for rodent species indentification test.
Achievements to date are as follows:
- 35 rodent control programmes representing 32% of annual target
- 52 inspections or 33% of annual target
- 7,370 bait stations set, representing 109% of annual target
- 62 Research and Analysis which includes breeding programmes, rodenticide 5 lectures were conducted with 195 persons trained
- 950 individual consultations and company consultations
3.4 Microbiology
Analyses of food samples submitted by inspectors were carried out in an effort to identify contaminating stored-product microorganisms.
1,180 samples were received and 914 tests carried out for bacteria and fungi.
Nine factories, (8) produce dealers, (1) farm and (9) warehouses were visited. There were also fifteen (20) field visits and (29) consultations.
3.8 Summary of Performance
In relation to the Laboratory Accreditation, a comprehensive manual has been developed along with subfolders for each laboratory/unit which is currently being used for internal auditing. The Accreditation process is approximately 50% complete and is awaiting approval from the consultants.
Total no. of samples submitted 1,926
Total no. of analyses done 1,718
Total quantity of food inspected 648774.21 MT
Total no. of statutory notices 460
Total no. of rodent treatment/premises 59
Total no. of food storage factories inspected 127
Total no. of training persons/consultations 991
Total no. of fumigation 890
Total no. of spraying/misting operations 70
Strategic Focus
The primary objective for 2007/2008 will be to continue modernization initiatives of the Division’s operations and move towards the more scientific Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based inspection system.
HACCP is the internationally recognized and recommended approach to ensuring food safety. This methodology will shift the focus of the management of chemical, physical and biological hazards that affect food products, away from costly end-product inspection and testing to the more rigorous management of food processing activities. In addition the Division will be focusing on having all its laboratories gaining International Accreditation under the SEWAC project.
Planning is on the way with NEPA for the development of an intervention to change from methyl bromide as the main fumigant to alternative methods/chemicals. The Division will be the focal point for the transfer of the technology to the wider public.
The Act and Regulation will be reviewed to reflect present day activities.
The Procedural manuals are almost completed and will be submitted within the next week.
We are awaiting the full establishment of the accreditation body. At which time we will submit our documents for accreditation of laboratories.
Develop post harvest practices to prolong the shelf life of harvested sweet potato roots.
Development of protocol for handling, packaging and storage of minimally processed fruits and vegetables.
Develop a pictorial guide to chilling and heat injuries to 20 local fruits and vegetables.
Post harvest information will be made available to farmers, students, supermarket operators, green grocers, exporters, fresh cut callallo processors and packinghouse operators through public education campaigns, laboratory demonstrations, training/workshops conducted by the unit and in collaboration with other agencies e.g RADA.
Routine inspections of fresh produce in supermarkets, restaurants, factories, fresh cut callaloo processing facilities and packinghouses will continue to ensure that quality is maintained and consumers’ health is not at risk.
5.1 Inspection and Disinfestations
- Inspections for food safety and wholesomeness and compliance with the Food Storage Act
- Sampling for laboratory evaluation, the results of which are used for certain decision-making
- Disinfestations of food and food storage structures
- Rodent baiting
5.2 Training, Information and Public Relations
- Educating the public on the requirements of the Food Storage Act for compliance
- Stored product management
- Pesticide management in food
- Rodent Biology and Control
- HACCP- based programmes
5.3 Rodent Biology and Control
Plans are in place to increase the number of rodent control programmes island-wide, the number of consultations with private businesses, individuals, community organizations.
The rodent breeding programme for research purposes will be improved. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of rodenticides to support regulation activities.
5.4 Entomology
- 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
5.5 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
- Outine testing for mycotoxins on legumes, especially peanuts and animal feeds
5.6 Microbiology
1. Routine monitoring of imported processed food
2. Routine monitoring of bulk grains and raw materials
3. Establishment of standards and code of practice for bottled coconut water and coconut drinks
4. Monitoring coliform contamination of cured spices such as ginger
