FOOD STORAGE AND PREVENTION OF INFESTATION DIVISION
PERFORMANCE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2008/2009
AND FOCUS FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2009/2010

1.0 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 2008/2009 Financial Year and its focus for the 2009/2010 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.

4.0 Highlights of Achievements for the 2008/2009 Financial Year

4.1 Entomology

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

1. Insect monitoring and trapping in warehouses

2. Competence/assessment for testing laboratory accreditation

3. Production/distribution of technical paper on split ginger processing and storage

4. Testing of three hundred and ninety-nine (399) food/feed samples.

5. The observance of a previously unrecorded Pest Species Carydon serratus found in Jamaica.

Test Services Performed Total

Approximately ninety five percent (95%) of the tests conducted were on rice, black pepper, pimento and quassia chips for moisture content determination, insect count and identification.

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:

• Seven (7) rodent control programmes was implemented

• Twenty-four (24) inspections conducted

• One thousand and fifty (1,050) bait stations set

• Forty-three (43) analyses in areas including breeding programmes, rodenticide evaluations and species identification tests

• Eight (8) lectures conducted with one hundred and sixty-three (163) persons trained

• Eight hundred and fifty-one (851) individuals /companies received consultations.

4.3 Microbiology

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

• One thousand and thirty-one (1,031) samples were received and Three thousand four hundred and thirty (3,430) tests carried out for bacteria and fungi.
  

• Nineteen (19) factories, three (3) produce dealers, one (1) farm and twelve (12) warehouses were visited. There were also twenty-four (24) field visits and eighteen (18) consultations.

4.4 Pesticide Residues

In addition to the routine analysis stated below, the Unit conducted three training seminars to increase the awareness of issues relating to pesticide and mycotoxin contamination. Feedback from all the seminars was positive and information was disseminated to approximately 190 participants. The target audience ranged from farmers (particularly peanut farmers for mycotoxin matters) to representatives in the fresh produce sector, supermarkets, universities and colleges.

A new member of staff was taken on in November 2008 to improve the overall efficiency of the Unit.

Pesticide Laboratory Work

Tests	Output No. of samples
Pesticide Residue	131
Mycotoxin	32
Other chemical analysis	2
Total	165

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

In May 2007 the Division established an office in western Jamaica. This was done in order to strengthen its regulatory activities/inspections of food establishments in the western parishes of the island. This strategic move has resulted in one thousand three hundred and twenty-eight (1,328) food establishments being inspected to date. The quantity of food inspected was 10,942.87 metric tonnes valued at J$992.52Million.

The following represents a summary of activity for the unit:

• Inspections: 10,759
• Samples submitted: 236
• Disinfestation operations: 525
• Food condemned (metric tonnes): 7.42
• Export certificates issued: 63

4.6 Training and Information

Organization/Programme Persons Trained

(a) HEART Ebony Park 87

(b) Papine Secondary 40

(c) West Indies School of Public Health 10

(d) Pest Control Seminar (PCO) 664

(e) Peanut Farmers Training 95

(f) College of Agriculture Science &

Education (CASE) 6

• Training involved pest management and good food storage practices.

• Preparation/distribution of over one thousand three hundred (1,300) brochures

• Dissemination of information on pest management and food storage

• Update of website

• Attended inter-agency meetings/seminars on pest control and food safety (e.g.) with National Environment Protection Agency, Food Safety Committee, NQIP & NJNCCJ).

50th Anniversary Celebrations (1958 - 2008):

In December 2007 the Division launched its fiftieth (50th ) anniversary celebrations. The celebrations saw us being involved in the following major activities in different parts of the Island:

• In May we Launched National Food Safety Compliance (NFSC) Programme in Montego Bay, St. James

• In September we conducted a similar programme in Mammee Bay, St. Ann

• And also in November we conducted another seminar in Kingston & St. Andrew. All three (3) seminars were very successful.

To date over Four Hundred and Seventy (470) 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:

• An Anniversary Church Service held at Saxthorpe Methodist Church

• A feature on FSPID in the Daily Gleaner – Thursday, June 19

• We also had a Opening Day, held on the grounds of FSPID – 15 Gordon Town Road, Kingston 6 – June 27, 2008

• We also participated in the Denbigh Agricultural Show held August 1-3, 2008

• In addition to these activities, we conducted and participated in Peanut Production Seminar for farmers in Barton, St. Elizabeth and in Lime Tree Gardens, St. Ann respectively.

• Essay and Poster competitions on Food Safety for students in Secondary Schools.

4.7 Details of Performance for Financial Year 2008/2009

Table 1: Indicators of Performance

ACTIVITIES	TOTAL
No. of inspections (Table 2 for details)	10,759
No. of samples taken	236
Quantities of commodities inspected	456,177.20 MT
Quantity condemned	7.42 MT
No. of Condemnation Notices	6
No. of Detention Notices	39
No. of Other Notices	311
No. of export fumigations	63
No. of tyre fumigations	21
No. of local fumigations	182
No. of mistings	5
No. of spraying operations	51
No. of disinfestation operations	525
No. of rodent control programmes	7

Table 2: Inspections (Financial Year 2008/2009)

LOCATION	TOTAL
Government Food Store	8
Statutory Bodies	8
Bonded Warehouses	15
Wharves	23
Ships	48
Containers	7,965
Break bulk consignments	945
Hospitals/Health Centres	6
Schools	2
Correctional Centres	5
Distributors	130
Supermarkets and wholesalers	927
Bakeries	97
Grain and Farm Stores	32
Mills	9
Factories	48
Spice Dealers	30
Restaurants	346
Hotels	99
Others	16
TOTAL	10,759

4.8 Summary of Performance

In relation to laboratory accreditation, a comprehensive quality manual has been developed along with subfolders for each laboratory/unit. These are now being used for internal auditing. The accreditation process is approximately ninety percent (90%) complete and will soon be submitted to the local accreditation body.

Achievements are as follows:

Total no. of samples submitted - 1,440

Total no. of tests done - 3,994

Total quantity of food inspected - 456,177.20 MT

Total no. of statutory notices - 372

Total no. of rodent treatment/premises - 9

Total no. of food storage factories inspected - 67

Total no. of persons trained 902 and consultations - 873

Total of 8,000 brochures distributed to 1,800 persons

Total no. of fumigations - 527

Total no. of spraying/misting operations - 56.

Revenue earned: Three Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-six Thousand, Six Hundred and forty Dollars ($3,276,640.00)

5.0 Strategic Focus for Financial Year 2009/2010

The primary objective for Financial Year 2009/2010 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.

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 stage-by-stage management of food processing activities. 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.

With the addition of two (2) more Food Storage Inspectors at the Montego Bay Office, this will result in an expansion of the Division’s surveillance work in the western end of the Island. Consequently, inspections/regulatory activities will be increased to approximately three thousand three hundred and forty (3,340) entities.

One Stop Shop

The concept of a “One Stop Shop” came out of state efforts in recent years to streamline and coordinate activities in respect of food safety in Jamaica.

Thus the One Stop Shop is aimed at providing common office space for the three (3) state regulators of imported food (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce through the FSPID), with electronic linkages between the three (3) agencies and the Customs Department. This is intended to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources (especially human resources) at the ports of entry while providing importers with easier access to regulators, thereby minimizing bureaucracy and consequent delays in processing of imported foods.

The Division has provided chairmanship to the committee responsible for setting up the One Stop Shop and continues to play an important roll in the process. It is hoped that the One Stop Shop will become fully operational during fiscal year 2009/2010.

6.0 Summary of the Main Programmes for Financial Year 2009/2010

6.1 Inspection and Disinfestations

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

2. Sampling for laboratory evaluation, the results of which are used for decision-making

3. Disinfestations of food and food storage structures

4. Rodent baiting

6.2 Training, Information and Public Relations

The following will be the areas of focus:

1. Educating the public for compliance with the requirements of the Food Storage Act

2. Stored product management

2. Pesticide management in food

3. Rodent biology and control

4. HACCP- based programmes.

6.3 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 regulation activities.

6.4 Entomology

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

2. Routine sample testing will continue

3. Research initiatives will be increased to provide scientific support to the regulatory activities.

6.5 Contaminant Analysis

1. Routine testing for levels of pesticides on/in foods destined for the export and local markets

2. Routine testing for additives above acceptable levels

3. Routine testing for mycotoxins on legumes, especially peanuts and animal feeds.

6.6 Microbiology

(a) Routine monitoring of imported processed food

2. Routine monitoring of bulk grains and raw materials

3. Establishment of CARICOM Standards and Code of Hygiene Practice for bottled coconut water.

4. Monitoring coliform contamination of cured spices such as ginger and pimento.

7.0 Budgetary Allocation

For Financial Year 2008/2009, budgetary allocation for recurrent expenditure was seventy-six million five hundred and seven thousand, five hundred and two dollars and forty-nine cents ($76,507,502.49).

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