Jamaica
Jamaica
Regulations & Legislations
The Food and Drugs Act (1975) is a legislation which regulates the labelling, importation, manufacture, quality, safety and sale of food drugs and related products to protect public health.
https://laws.moj.gov.jm/legislation/subsids/F/The%20Food%20and%20Drugs%20Act.pdf
The Processed Food Act (1959) is legislation which sets standards for the manufacture, labelling, inspection, storage and sale of processed foods to ensure that they are safe and suitable for export or local sale.
https://laws.moj.gov.jm/legislation/subsids/P/The%20Processed%20Food%20Act_0.pdf
The Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations (1998) establishes a government division responsible for monitoring and controlling the storage of food and preventing infestation or contamination to protect food quality and public health.
The Food Storage & Prevention of Infestation Act (1958) is legislation which regulates the storage, handling, infection and sanitation of food to prevent contamination, infestation and loss of food while protecting public health.
The Pesticides Act (1996) is legislation which regulates the manufacture, importation, sale, use, registration labelling and control of pesticides as well as the licensing of pest control operators to safeguard public health and the environment.
https://laws.moj.gov.jm/legislation/subsids/P/Pesticides%20Act_0.pdf
The Standards Act (1968) is legislation which establishes and regulates national standards for products, processes and practices such as certification, labelling, quality control and enforcement to ensure consumer safety and fair trade.
https://laws.moj.gov.jm/legislation/subsids/S/The%20Standards%20Act_0.pdf
Protection of Plant Genetic Resources for Food & Agriculture Act (2013) is legislation which provides for the conservation, access and fair-benefit sharing of plant genetic resources to support agriculture, food security and biodiversity protection.
State Agencies
The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) provides information and services related to product standards, services, food safety, testing, certification, metrology, training and quality assurance to protect consumers and support businesses.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness provides public health information, healthcare services, policies, disease updates, wellness resources and government health announcements.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries provides information on agricultural policies, programs, services, research and support in farming, fisheries and mining.
The National Plant Protection Unit (NPPO) provides importers and exporters with information on trade rules, tariffs, licenses, procedures and regulations to help facilitate and simplify international trade.
The Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) shows conformity assessment bodies their status, scope and validity details which are accredited.
https://www.janaac.gov.jm/_cabs_wp/cab_list.php?goto=2page%3Dlist1
The Veterinary Services Division (MAF) provides information on protecting animal and public health by providing veterinary services such as disease control animal inspections, quarantine, laboratory testing and regulation of animal imports and exports.
Laboratories
The BSJ Chemistry Laboratories describes the laboratory services used to analyse chemicals in products such as food, water, industry materials and pharmaceuticals to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.
The BSJ Mass & Metrology Lab describes how the national laboratory ensures accurate measurements of mass through calibration and testing of weights and scales to ensure that measurement standards support fair trade and industry.
Microlabs Limited provides health testing services such as blood tests, disease screening, COVID-19 testing and other clinical laboratory diagnostics to support patient care and detection.
Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (VSD) describes the responsibility of the Lab which includes protecting animal and public health through the provision of services such as disease control, veterinary inspections, laboratory testing, quarantine and import/export certification for animals and animal products.
The National Compliance & Regulatory Authority explains how inspectors monitor imported and locally sold goods to ensure they meet compulsory standards and labelling requirements by inspecting products at ports, warehouses, and retail outlets to protect consumers and ensure fair trade.
https://www.ncra.org.jm/services/domestic-import-commodities-inspectorate