No US restrictions on Jamaican food exports

Kingston, Thursday, November 10, 2011: The U.S. Embassy in Kingston confirms previous media reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has placed no restrictions on Jamaican food producers who wish to export to the U.S. In a press release yesterday, the PNP reported that temporary bans had been imposed on some Jamaican food processors after they were inspected by the FDA.

The FDA inspection the PNP referenced was a routine check of agricultural products' production and processing, and was coordinated through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of Jamaica, the Bureau of Standards of Jamaica, and the exporters themselves. Such inspections assist Jamaican exporters by assuring that the FDA's standards are met, and that Jamaican goods will be eligible for importation and sale in the United States. FDA inspection is a service provided at no charge to either the Government of Jamaica, or Jamaican exporters.

Citing concerns about the mischaracterization of the FDA inspector's visit, the agency decided to suspend the assessment having completed only one of four scheduled inspections of Jamaican food processors. The FDA will determine if and when the remaining three companies will be rescheduled for inspection.


The Public Affairs Section

United States Embassy - Kingston

142 Old Hope Road, Kgn. 6

Tel: 702-6161; Fax: 702-6348

E-mail: kingstonpress@state.gov