In view of "the alleged negative effects of non communicable diseases (NCDs) on the health of the Jamaican population and the role that the FOP labelling could play in better consumer choices in relation to food purchase and consumption", in a official statement, the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce stressed that the Government is in fully support of the FOP labelling implementation, notwithstanding, other models should also be included in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) harmonised standard, based on the fact that Jamaica's primary trading partners (USA, the Andean Community -CAN and UK) utilise other FOP labelling models such as the Multiple Traffic Light System, Facts Up Front System and GDA Colour Coded Model.

In summary, the government's position would be that a balance between health policies and realities related to food consumption is needed in Jamaica but also in the CARICOM region, specially to ensure competitiveness and best prices for consumers and to reduce the complexities in trade.

It is worth remembering that the current debate in the CARICOM region relates to the use of the High-In ?Octagon Model? (based on the one approved in several countries in Latin America) as the single FOP labelling option in the CARICOM standard, currently being developed by the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ).

This came after several stakeholders' opinion, such as the one from Andrene Chung, chair of The Heart Foundation of Jamaica and consultant cardiologist, who stressed that the discussion on the proposal is being delayed by the Jamaica's representetives changing their positions by rejecting the adoption of the octagonal warning label and the standard and also rejecting the inclusion of its implementation. 

FYI: CARICOM is composed of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.

Reach us out to know more about the Caribbean proposal and the impact on your business.

September 17, 2021 

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