#law · 1 year ago

BSJ Guidelines for Food Businesses in Jamaica: Ensuring Food Safety and Quality

BSJ Guidelines for Food Businesses in Jamaica: Ensuring Food Safety and Quality photo jamaica

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) is responsible for ensuring that food businesses in Jamaica comply with the relevant standards and regulations. The BSJ has set out a number of guidelines for food businesses in Jamaica to follow in order to ensure food safety and quality.


Food Safety

Food safety is of utmost importance to the BSJ. Food businesses must ensure that all food is prepared, stored, and transported in a safe and hygienic manner. This includes regular cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment and surfaces, as well as proper storage and handling of all food products.

Labeling

All food products sold in Jamaica must be labeled in accordance with the Food and Drugs Act. This includes information on the ingredients, nutritional information, and allergen information. The labeling must also be clear and legible.

Packaging

The packaging of food products must also comply with the Food and Drugs Act. The packaging must be durable and protect the food from contamination. It must also be labeled with the name and address of the manufacturer or importer.

Standards for Specific Foods

The BSJ has set out specific standards for certain types of food products. For example, the BSJ has set out standards for bottled water, including requirements for pH levels and microbial counts. Similarly, the BSJ has set out standards for canned foods, including requirements for metal content and labeling.

Inspections

The BSJ carries out regular inspections of food businesses to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and regulations. These inspections include checks for food safety, labeling, packaging, and compliance with specific standards for certain types of food products.

Training

Food businesses are encouraged to provide training to their staff on food safety and hygiene. This includes training on proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures, as well as training on how to handle food safely.

The guidelines set out by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) for food businesses are designed to ensure food safety and quality in Jamaica. By complying with these guidelines, food businesses can help to protect the health and well-being of their customers, as well as their own reputation. It is important for food businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and regulations set out by the BSJ, in order to ensure compliance and maintain the highest standards of food safety and quality.