April 11, 2008

Jamaica to invest JMD 9 million into seafood inspection programme

Jamaica will invest JMD 9 million (US$126,000) into its seafood inspection program after the country is allowed to export fishery products to the EU.

Jamaica has been approved to export its fishery products, mainly tilapia, lobster, marine gastropods, and conch to the EU. Therefore, the Veterinary Services Division has invested in its Fishery Inspection Monitoring and Certificate Programme to ensure that Jamaican fishery products could meet the EU standards.

The investment sum will be used to address several issues, including residue monitoring programme for tilapia, laboratory testing and analysis of fishery products, legislation and official controls.