‘SAFE BITES’ TO PROMOTE, REWARD CLEAN, SAFE EATING ESTABLISHMENTS
A rating system has been launched aimed at driving excellence in eating establishments and acknowledging and rewarding safe eateries.
The programme is called Safe Bites and is being managed by the Food Hygiene Bureau (FHB) whose CEO is Dr Marva Hewitt.
Dr Hewitt in her overview explained the need for the Safe Bites Award and its importance to Jamaica. She said food safety was critical to consumer health and Safe Bites will help in consumer confidence and wise decisions to eat at places with excellent hygiene, safe food and good customer service.
(Dr Marva Hewitt, CEO of Food Hygiene Bureau)
The launch took place at the Cardiff Hotel and Spa Runaway Bay, St Ann, on Wednesday afternoon, December 4, 2024. Among those in attendance were operators of eateries and tourism interests.
Safe Bites creator, Dr Hewitt said the aim of the programme and awards was to make it easier for people to identify safe eating places across the island. She said the first phase of the programme will target eating places in several North and West Coast parishes frequented by visitors.
(Guest speaker Jerron Britton, JTB)
The programme is expected to attract participation from restaurants, small hotels, cafes, sports bars and other eating places that cater to the general public.
Through audits, checks on processes, training and information sharing the Food Hygiene Bureau (FHB) will award four- or five-star Safe Bites ratings to eateries that meet set high standards of safety.
No rating will be issued to those who fall below the standard. However, the FHB will offer training and guidance to those eateries not attaining the set standards.
Guest Speaker Jerron Britton, Business Development Manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board (Western Jamaica) welcomed the initiative focussing on safe eating places. Mr Britton said gastronomy was an important part of the growing tourism industry. He said the Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett “is actively pursuing initiatives to tap into the food tourism market.”
(Tifanny Sterling of NSF Certification speaking about their role as auditors)
He encouraged people in the food business to help make Jamaica the perfect culinary destination.
(Deputy Mayor Cardel Wickham said he looked forward to the changes Safe Bites will usher in)
Mr Britton said, “Our visitors are looking for culinary experiences that are cultural, authentic clean, compliant and safe.”
Among those bringing greetings were the head of the College of Hospitality HEART Runaway Bay, Dr Janet Dyer; Director of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, Sharon Williams and Sterling Crew, Chairman UK Food Authenticity Network.
