Jamaica Closely Monitoring Imports Of Plant Products From United States | RJR News

The Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries says it has strengthened its monitoring of imports of plant products from the United States to protect Jamaican consumers from potential risk of cyclospora contamination. 

It follows a multi state outbreak in the U.S. of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness. 

Based on available reports, several illnesses have been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce, distributed through a commercial supply chain. 

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has recalled a specific brand of shredded iceberg lettuce, over suspected contamination. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, as of July 18, there were 1,644 confirmed cases of the illness, and 94 hospitalisations. 

The outbreak remains under investigation. 

In response, the minister says, It’s Plant, Quarantine, and Produced Inspection Branch, has strengthened monitoring of imported plant products that could pose a risk of cyclospora contamination. 

The ministry says it is also working with the Minister of Health & Wellness, the Consumer Affairs Commission, the National Compliance & Regulatory Authority, Jamaica Customs Agency, and other regulatory bodies, to enhance surveillance at the island’s ports of entry for products identified in FDA recalls for food safety advisories. 

It says important consignments of iceberg lettuce, or leafy vegetables and fruits originating in or passing through the United States are being closely reviewed to ensure traceability and compliance with Jamaica’s import requirements.