Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division (FSPID) Condemns 70 Metric Tonnes of Imported White Rice Due to High Microbial Content

Jamaica News: The Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division (FSPID), in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF) has confiscated 70 metric tonnes (1575 bags) of White Cinderella rice, valued at approximately $4.6 million, which was imported from Guyana by a local distributor.

Upon inspection the rice had signs of mould growth, clumping, discolouration and wetting. As a result, the rice was detained by a Food Storage Inspector.

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Subsequently, a statutory detention notice was placed on the rice and samples collected were submitted to the FSPID’s Microbiology Laboratory for testing. The results revealed that the rice had microbial levels above the accepted limits. Therefore, the rice was deemed not suitable for human consumptions and was condemned.

This seizure is the first for the year. The rice was imported by a large chain distributor in Jamaica with whom the matter was discussed extensively, and in keeping with the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation (FSPI) Act (1958) and Regulations (1973), the rice were detained while arrangements made for disposal.

The FSPID is a regulatory department with responsibility for ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food entering commerce.

Source: JIS News