CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSION ISSUES AMBER ALERT FOR MEATS AND FROZEN FOODS

Due to the interruptions in usual power supplies arising from the passage of Hurricane Ivan, the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is alerting consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing meats and other frozen foods.
The concern is also extended to the purchase of prepared meals from restaurants and other outlets in the food services industry.

Various state agencies including the Ministry of Health through its regional networks have increased their surveillance in the field and can confirm the following:

• There has been confiscations of food items

• There has been voluntary safe disposal of food items

• It will be difficult for authorities to check every outlet, corner shop, supermarket, restaurant etc.

The CAC therefore reminds consumers that ultimately, they have the primary responsibility for protecting their families and households. If there is any uncertainty as to the wholesomeness of food items, DO NOT PURCHASE THEM!

The Commission is working jointly with the Department of Environmental Health, The Bureau of Standards Jamaica and the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division to provide timely and accurate updates to the public as to the verifiable quality and wholesomeness of all food items currently on offer to consumers.

This Amber Alert is intended to bring greater focus to the issue of FOOD SAFETY and the appropriate guidelines that householders should follow when purchasing items including but not limited to the ones listed herein:

• Ice Cream

• Beer

• Chicken, fish and frozen vegetables

• Luncheon Meats (Frankfurters, Ham, Salami etc.)

• Beef, Mutton and Pork

• Fruit drinks

• Frozen Snacks (especially those including dairy)

• Yogurt

• Fast foods (patties, burgers, pizzas, etc.)

The Commission also acknowledges the continued cooperation of persons in the retail and food services industry in disclosing standard operating procedures and emergency procedures that were or have been implemented to discard items that are no longer fit for human consumption. A preliminary report and further update will be available to the public by Friday September 17th, 2004.

Contact:
Mr. Raymond Pryce – Director of Research, Information & Communication
Telephone: 968-8732; 926-1650-2
Email: dir_ric@consumeraffairsjamaica.gov.jm