Jamaica bans importation of corned beef from Brazil

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries of Jamaica have placed an indefinite ban on importation of corned beef from Brazil.

This decision followed a report from the Brazilian authorities that companies supplying meat had been selling rotten beef and poultry. They were also alleged to have been bribing auditors in exchange for fake licences.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries,  Karl Samuda called an emergency meeting at the ministry’s Hope Gardens office emphasising  the need to protect consumer affairs.

The meeting was attended by officials from the ministries of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries; Health, and Consumer Affairs.

The meeting resolved that a temporary hold would be placed on all permits for the importation of corned beef from Brazil. It was agreed that corned beef in the market would be withdrawn for precautionary reasons. This implies that the nation’s Food Recall Committee will meet to determine the next step and inform the consumers when the product is safe.

Karl Samuda also held a meeting with major distributors and importers of corned beef.

Consumers have been advised to beware of corned beef for now. In the meantime, the Bureau of Standards, Jamaica will conduct chemical tests on the contents of corned beef in the market while the Veterinary service division of the ministry will conduct microbiology and residue tests to determine the presence of contaminants.