Food Industry Stakeholders Complying With Covid-19 Guidelines

Stakeholders in the food industry are being hailed for complying with the coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols and guidelines.

Director of Veterinary Public Health in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Linnette Peters, told JIS News that while there were no changes in the regulations regarding food safety, protocols were established to guide the operations of stakeholders including farmers and food processors.

“We have not changed any of the existing food safety regulations that are used to guide the production of safe food but we developed the protocols and guidelines and we have got good compliance from the stakeholders,” she said.

Dr. Peters noted that the methods of training and engagement with the various stakeholders were also adjusted in keeping with the health and safety guidelines.

“The pandemic has restricted our direct activities in the field, so we have modified our training of butchers and food handlers in order to comply with the restrictions and limitations due to the pandemic,” she said.

Senior Veterinary Specialist, Veterinary Services Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Suzanne McLennon-Miguel, told JIS News that the entity has been following the guidelines published by the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization.

“Along with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, we have made presentations to farmers and processors on the guidelines that they need to implement so when we go on inspections, we make sure that they (are adhering to the measures) regarding sanitation, including having hand sanitising areas and temperature checks,” she noted.

“There is very good compliance by the stakeholders and the processing of products has continued during the pandemic and we are proud of them because this is a part of building back the economy,” she added.

Dr. McLennon-Miguel assured that the food being produced and consumed locally is safe.