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JEA concerned about new US FDA regulation

Published:Thursday | September 28, 2017 | 1:09 PM

There is concern this afternoon that a new regulation by the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will curtail exports from Jamaica, at least until local exporters comply.

The Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA) says the FDA now requires all entities that export to the US to have in place a Preventative Control Qualified Individual (PCQI) on staff to develop and manage their Food Safety Plan.

It says the new measure came into effect on September 18.

In a release this morning, the organisation that represents local exporters say this will result in an interruption in exports.

The JEA says the new measure means that all entities involved in the supply and preparation chain of food products for export will have to employ at least two PCQI officers who will be required to check and sign off on the necessary documentation before products can be shipped.

With the US being Jamaica's main trading partner, the JEA is urging all exporters to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance and to seek its assistance if required to comply with the new rule.