The Customs Agency says it is suspending clearance of rice following reports that “plastic rice” has entered the Jamaican market.
Customs says several agencies involved in the regulation of rice for Jamaica are meeting today at Customs headquarters in Kingston. These include the police, Bureau of Standards and the ministries of Commerce and Health. They are to check on the reports and take the necessary steps to prevent so called plastic rice ending up on Jamaican tables.
Consumers are being advised to make contact with the JCA at (876) 922 5140-9 or the BSJ at (876) 632-4BSJ (4275) or (876) 618-1534 if they have purchased this product or if they are aware of any retailers, so measures can be taken to remove the product from the Jamaican market.
Below is the release from Jamaica Customs
Jamaica Customs Ceases Clearance of Rice at Ports with Immediate Effect
In keeping with recent media report of the distribution of rice, including ‘plastic rice’ in Jamaica, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) wishes to advise that the organisation has temporarily ceased the clearance of rice at all ports of entry.
In keeping with this matter, the JCA has convened a meeting with the relevant Regulatory Agencies, including the Bureau of Standards (BSJ), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Health and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), in order to verify this breach, and the mechanisms for moving forward.
The meeting is currently taking place at the JCA’s Head Office, Myers’ Wharf, New Port East.
In the time being, members of the public are urged to call the JCA or the BSJ and report if they have bought this product or are aware of the place of distribution, so that steps can be taken for the removal of the product from the market.
The media will be further advised as it relates to the discussions emanating out of the meeting and the decisions taken.
A public advisory will also be issued with a view to protecting the health and safety of the population.
Contact:
Major (Ret’d) Richard Reese
CEO/Commissioner
Tel: 750-3014, 364-6619
